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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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Telemedicine Platform Comparison India: Evaluating the Best Digital Healthcare Providers

Telemedicine has transformed the healthcare landscape in India by making medical services more accessible, affordable, and patient-friendly. With growing smartphone usage, improved internet penetration, and digital health adoption under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), teleconsultation platforms have become a primary mode of healthcare for millions. But with multiple platforms available, choosing the right one requires a proper telemedicine platform comparison India.

This blog provides a detailed comparison of India’s leading telemedicine providers and evaluates what sets SecondMedic apart in terms of accessibility, specialist availability, user experience, and overall digital healthcare value.

Why Telemedicine Is Growing Rapidly in India

The demand for digital healthcare platforms is driven by:

Busy lifestyles limiting hospital visits
Rising chronic diseases needing follow-ups
Rural populations needing specialist access
Post-pandemic digital health acceptance
Cost efficiency
Faster access to care

According to Statista, the telemedicine market size in India is increasing significantly, driven by digital transformation and patient willingness to adopt virtual care.

Key Parameters for Comparing Telemedicine Platforms

When comparing telemedicine platforms, users should evaluate the following:

1. Doctor Availability

The range of specialists available-cardiology, dermatology, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics, etc.-is crucial.

2. Pricing and Consultation Fees

Costs vary significantly between platforms. Affordable, transparent pricing determines long-term usability.

3. User Interface (UI/UX)

The platform must be easy to navigate, especially for elderly patients.

4. Appointment Wait Time

Faster access to doctors enhances the value of telemedicine.

5. E-Prescriptions

Availability of legal, digital prescriptions is essential for seamless continuity of care.

6. Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Platforms offering unified records improve patient experience.

7. Service Range

A good telemedicine platform should provide:

Teleconsultations
Second opinions
Remote monitoring
Home diagnostics
Preventive health packages

SecondMedic is one of the few platforms offering this full ecosystem.

Comparison of Major Telemedicine Platforms in India

1. SecondMedic

Specialties: Full range including cardiology, dermatology, neurology
Strengths:

Instant teleconsultation
Online specialist access
Remote monitoring tools
Second opinion services
Preventive health packages
Strong chronic care management
Patient-first experience
Easy EHR access
Best For: Those wanting comprehensive digital healthcare

2. Practo

Strengths:

Wide doctor network
Pharmacy integration
Lab test bookings
Limitations:
Higher consultation fees
Variable doctor response times

3. Apollo 24/7

Strengths:

Strong specialist network
Integration with Apollo hospitals
Limitations:
High cost
Limited remote monitoring features

4. Tata 1mg

Strengths:

Affordable consultations
Pharmacy + lab tests
Limitations:
Limited specialist variety
Heavy focus on diagnostics and medicines rather than telemedicine

5. MFine

Strengths:

Good specialist availability
Partner-hospital model
Limitations:
Service coverage varies
Less personalized care

This comparison shows that while multiple telemedicine platforms serve specific needs, SecondMedic provides a more integrated healthcare experience connecting consultations, preventive care, and chronic disease management.

What Makes SecondMedic Stand Out

1. Comprehensive Specialty Coverage

From general physicians to cardiologists, dermatologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, and pediatricians, SecondMedic covers major medical specialties.

2. Strong Chronic Disease Management

Continuous monitoring and scheduled check-ins help manage long-term conditions effectively.

3. Online Second Opinions

Patients needing specialist reassessment benefit from high-quality second opinions from top doctors.

4. Remote Monitoring Ecosystem

Compatible with digital ECGs, glucometers, BP monitors, and other wearable tools.

5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing

SecondMedic offers cost-effective consultations without hidden charges.

6. Easy-to-Use Interface

Designed for all age groups with minimal complexity.

7. Integration with Preventive Health Packages

Users can also book diagnostics, screenings, and wellness plans.

Importance of EHR in Telemedicine Platform Comparison India

Electronic Health Records improve:

Safety
Accuracy
Convenience
Treatment continuity

SecondMedic’s EHR system is aligned with ABDM guidelines, making health data secure and portable.

User Experience and Accessibility

A good telemedicine platform must offer:

Multilingual support
Low-bandwidth compatibility
Easy appointment scheduling
Quick report upload

SecondMedic excels in offering a smooth, user-friendly experience.

Future of Telemedicine Platforms in India

The next evolution includes:

AI-assisted triage
Wearable tech integration
Predictive health alerts
Virtual healthcare kiosks
Full ABDM interoperability

SecondMedic is aligning with these innovations to build the next-generation digital healthcare ecosystem.

Conclusion

Telemedicine platform comparison India reveals that while several platforms offer strong digital health services, SecondMedic stands out due to its integrated care model, specialist availability, chronic disease support, remote monitoring tools, and preventive healthcare programs. For patients seeking a complete, reliable, and patient-centric telemedicine experience, SecondMedic remains a top choice.

To explore telemedicine services, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

NITI Aayog - Telemedicine guidelines for India
Statista - Telemedicine adoption and market size
ABDM - Digital health mission framework
WHO - Teleconsultation standards
IMARC - Digital health ecosystem growth
SecondMedic platform insights

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