Latest Ebola News: Experimental Ebola drug may take months for bulk production

The Ebola outbreak has turned global attention to the new experimental drug called ZMapp, developed by San Diego-based Mapp Biopharmaceutical and manufactured by Owensboro-based Kentucky BioProcessing (KBP), Xinhua reported. However, mass production of the drug may take a while, said the US manufacturer on Wednesday. The drug looks promising in treatment of Ebola. Nancy Writebol and Kent Brantly, who were diagnosed with the infection while treating patients in Liberia, seemed to be improving after taking the medication.

'KBP is working closely with Mapp Biopharmaceutical, various government agencies, and other parties to increase production of ZMapp,' KBP spokesman David Howard told Xinhua. 'But this process will take several months,' Howard said. Howard said in an email that the company provided 'a limited amount of ZMapp' to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, where the two were being treated, after it received a request last week from the hospital.

However, the spokesman said he 'cannot comment nor confirm whether ZMapp has been administered to any patient.' When asked about the company's current or targeted ZMapp production capacity, he said that information 'would be proprietary.' Earlier, Mapp Biopharmaceutical said in a statement that ZMapp, a mixture of three monoclonal antibodies, was first identified as a drug candidate in January and 'has not yet been evaluated for safety in humans.'

What is ebola virus?

The Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a severe condition caused by a virus from the Filoviridae family. Known to be a condition that is transmitted from animals to humans, this virus spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person or animal.

Here are some preventive measures for people who cannot avoid traveling.

• If you're taking medication for any infectious diseases and if you're currently suffering from viral flu, you should avoid traveling before complete recovery. When you're suffering from an infection, your immunity weakens. This could be a good opportunity for the virus to attack you.
• Older people, young peers and pregnant women should not travel at all. They have a high risk of acquiring infection.
• Those who are traveling should be extra careful about their diet. Eat a balanced diet. Avoid junk food and under-cooked food, especially meat.

With inputs from IANS

Photo source: Getty images

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