Nearly two years after the COVID-19 outbreak, China has granted approval to its first antibody combination therapy (治疗) for COVID-19 treatment, adding a tool to the world’s fight against the disease.
A team from Tsinghua University, along with the Shenzhen People’s Hospital, has accomplished the task in 20 months. It would usually take 10 years. “It can reduce the rate of hospitalization (住院治疗) and death by 80 percent,” said Zhang Linqi, leader of the research team.
The new antibody drug is immediately effective after being used. Moreover, the therapy can protect people, especially those whose physical condition doesn’t allow vaccination (接种疫苗), from becoming infected by COVID-19 for around 9 to 12 months, said Zhang.
How does it work? When a virus infects a cell, it relies on an important type of protein: the spike proteins (棘突蛋白) on its surface. The spike proteins serve as a key to unlocking a cell. If a virus cannot enter a cell, it will disappear immediately. The job of our antibodies is to block the virus from entering cells. So its target is very precise. In addition, thanks to the coordination between the two antibodies, it is highly efficient in preventing the virus, according to Zhang. The qualities of the new drug make it especially useful for high-risk groups, such as frontline medical workers and people not suitable for vaccination due to various underlying health problems.
The new drug is expected to come to the market soon, but it’s not cheap. That’s because of limited production. Noting that China has used science and technology to fight COVID-19 since the beginning of the outbreak, Zhang said, “Science is the key to solving the issue. Science has shown its power in all sectors, from medical treatment, medicine and vaccine development to prevention and control measures.”
8. What can we know about the new drug according to paragraph 1 and paragraph 2?
A.It’s the only way to treat COVID-19. |
B.It dramatically improves the survival rate of patients. |
C.It takes researchers 10 years to develop the new drug. |
D.It was developed by the team from one of China’s top universities. |
9. Which statement does the author probably agree with?
A.Only medical workers can take this drug. |
B.Antibodies stop spike proteins entering a cell. |
C.The new medicine takes effect after a period of use. |
D.The new drug can protect people from infection for life. |
10. Who are best suited for the drug according to the passage?
A.Doctors and nurses. | B.The elderly and children. |
C.People without vaccination. | D.Patients and their family members. |
11. What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A.The drug will be readily available. |
B.The new drug has been put into use. |
C.Zhang had a high regard for the power of science. |
D.China is the first country to use technology to fight disease. |