The Ebola Virus disease (EVD), now an
international emergency, has claimed over 1000
lives in a very short span of time and the number
will certainly keep increasing unless effective
treatment and preventive measures are held in
place. In terms of prevention, the situation still
seems quite under control in areas where Ebola
has not yet spread. But in terms of treatment,
rigorous research and testing of therapies for
Ebola is needed.
With the WHO’s approval for the use of
experimental therapies for Ebola, the attention
has now been diverted to ZMapp, the
experimental drug to be received by Liberia from
the U.S. Here are some facts about ZMapp,
experimental Ebola drug, you should be aware
about:
ZMapp is a combination of antibodies
ZMapp is actually a mixture of antibodies that
are designed to target and inactivate the Ebola
virus. As per the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDS), the drug is combination of
three different antibodies produced by exposing
mice to fragments of the virus. The generated
antibodies were then extracted to make the drug.
ZMapp mimics natural immune response
Natural antibodies produced in the body confer
direct protection against the pathogen by
attacking them directly. Similarly, these lab
designed antibodies also attack the virus but in a
specific way. The antibodies are designed such
that they bind to a specific part of the virus and
mimic the natural response of your immune
system. They also develop active immunisation.
ZMapp is effective in primates, studies in
humans yet to be done
In a documented study, this combination of
antibodies was found to effectively treat 43% of
animals challenged with the Ebola virus. Soon
after the Ebola outbreak killed several West
African citizens in afflicted areas of Guinea,
Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Liberia, ZMapp was
used for the treatment of two Americans
diagnosed with the infection. The drug showed
promising results and both the patients seemed
to be improving after taking them. However, the
drug was used on an experimental basis. It is
yet to be proven safe and effective through
clinical trials.

source:
http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/latest-ebola-news-facts-about-zmapp-you-should-know