Coronavirus: Arvind Kejriwal addresses the media on COVID-19 plasma therapy trials

Highlights Plasma therapy trials done on 4 coronavirus patients in Delhi

"This has given us a ray of hope": Arvind Kejriwal

2 of the four trial patients may leave hospital soon

Plasma therapy trials on four coronavirus patients in Delhi have produced encouraging results, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said today, adding after a few more trials, his government would seek permission from the centre to use the treatment on a large scale.

"In the last few days, we have tried plasma therapy on four patients at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. Till now the results are encouraging," Arvind Kejriwal said, addressing the media along with a top expert handling the trials.

"These are only early results; we must not think we have found a cure for coronavirus. This has just given us a ray of hope," Mr Kejriwal said.

Two of the four patients may be ready to leave hospital soon, he said, explaining that one of them was in a critical state and just short of being placed on ventilator.

Plasma therapy involves the transfusion of plasma from a convalescent coronavirus patient to a critical patient. The blood of a recovering patient is rich in antibodies produced by the body to fight the virus, which are expected to help the critical patient recover.

"We are happy with the positive results in the four patients. Blood and plasma is ready for two-three other patients at LNJP hospital, we may give them the plasma therapy today," said SK Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Science.

He said if 10 patients could be treated using plasma therapy, it could be considered a good lead.

"Those who have recovered from coronavirus, if they donate their plasma, only then can we take this treatment forward. Those who come forward and donate, it will be an act of true patriotism," said Mr Kejriwal.

The Chief Minister said if all the trials worked, Delhi would ask for permission from the centre to use plasma therapy for all serious coronavirus patients.

Delhi has 2,376 COVID-19 cases, including 50 deaths.

Earlier this week, the capital reported the country's first plasma therapy success when a 49-year-old man who received treatment was taken off ventilator support.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has called for clinical trials across the country to assess plasma treatment. The trials need permission from the Drug Control authority since it involves relaxation in blood donation rules.