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Published on: May 31, 2021
1 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody Cocktail"

REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody cocktail"

Recently a new drug was approved for use in COVID patients in India. Known as REGN-COV2, this new therapy is based on monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID. So how does it work? And is there any evidence behind the treatment?

Monoclonal antibodies are made from components of the human immune system. When the human body recognizes a bacteria or virus in the body, the immune system recognizes and processes proteins on the surface of that bacteria or virus. This is presented to the adaptive immune system, and antibodies have produced that lock onto these surface proteins, neutralizing their function and also tagging them for destruction by other white blood cells.

If we identify antibodies capable of efficiently tagging and neutralizing a certain virus, we can identify the cell capable of producing that antibody, clone it and produce it in vast quantities. The antibodies produced from this cloned cell line will be able to target the virus at the same efficiency and have the same ability to neutralize the virus. Just like with vaccines, there is a risk of mutations developing, resulting in changes in the surface protein that reduce binding and neutralizing effects of the antibodies, allowing them to escape and continue to cause disease

REGN-COV2 uses two neutralizing antibodies (Casirivimab/imdevimab), in an effort to minimize the ability of a mutant virus to develop resistance against the antibody cocktail, as the virus would need to develop mutations canceling both antibodies out at once. These antibodies neutralize the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing viral entry through ACE2 receptors.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (one of the most prestigious journals in the medical field) data from 275 patients showed a drastic reduction in viral load in patients treated with REGN-COV2. This is clinically significant as hospitalized patients with severe symptoms have higher viral counts than non-hospitalized or asymptomatic patients, suggesting the hypoxaemic, shortness of breath symptoms are related to the viral count and resulting exaggerated immune response.

Based off this result the European Medicines Agency approved the use of REGN-COV2 antibody cocktail in patients who do not require supplemental oxygen but are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

FDA regulations currently recommend it for patients who are COVID positive with risk factors that may result in their hospitalization but do not recommend it for patients who are already hospitalized, requiring O2 therapy because of COVID or need chronic O2 therapy.

Those that fall into the high-risk categories include patients with a high BMI (over 35), diabetes, on immunosuppressive treatment or with an immunosuppressive disease, over 65 years of age or those with chronic diseases such as renal disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD, or other developmental disorders.

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Healthcare Insurance in India: Protecting Health, Empowering Lives with SecondMedic

Health is priceless, but healthcare can be expensive. In a country where medical inflation rises by nearly 12% every year, healthcare insurance has become a necessity, not a luxury.

SecondMedic bridges medical protection with digital convenience — giving Indians a smarter, simpler way to stay covered and cared for.

What Is Healthcare Insurance?

Healthcare insurance is a financial safety net that covers hospitalization, treatment, and medical expenses. It ensures you get access to top-quality hospitals without worrying about unexpected bills.

Modern health plans now go beyond emergencies — they cover preventive care, teleconsultations, home diagnostics, and even digital wellness programs.

Why Healthcare Insurance Is Essential in India

A 2024 report by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) found that over 70% of Indians pay medical bills out-of-pocket. One hospitalization can wipe out an entire year’s savings for a middle-income family.

Healthcare insurance:

Protects against medical inflation
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Types of Healthcare Insurance Plans

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Covers one person — ideal for self-employed or single professionals.

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A shared sum insured for the whole family — cost-effective for parents and children.

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Customized for people aged 60+, including chronic disease and home care support.

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SecondMedic’s Role in Smarter Health Coverage

SecondMedic doesn’t just help you buy insurance — it helps you live healthier under it.

Our integrated Digital Health + Insurance model provides:

Cashless virtual consultations
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Preventive Care + Insurance: A Winning Combo

Insurance companies now reward preventive care. By getting regular SecondMedic checkups, your health data helps keep premiums lower and claim-free bonuses active.

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Digital Health Meets Insurance

With SecondMedic’s tech-driven model, your insurance can now include:

Online doctor consultations
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How to Choose the Right Healthcare Insurance

Assess your medical history and family needs.
Compare premiums, claim ratios, and network hospitals.
Choose plans with telehealth, diagnostics, and preventive cover.
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Use SecondMedic’s plan comparison tool for expert-backed guidance.

Conclusion

Healthcare insurance is not just a policy — it’s peace of mind.
By combining medical coverage with digital healthcare and preventive wellness, SecondMedic ensures that protection is proactive, not reactive.

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Real Data & References

IRDAI Report 2024: 70% of Indians still pay medical bills out-of-pocket.
irdai.gov.in
NITI Aayog 2024: Preventive health reduces hospitalizations by 28%.
niti.gov.in
WHO India 2023: 50% of health issues preventable through early care.
who.int/india
SecondMedic Data (2025): 67% users prefer health plans with digital consultations.
secondmedic.com

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