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Published on: Nov 13, 2020
1 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

Using The Cellular Handshake Against The Virus

Using the cellular handshake against the virus

In early November an interesting study was published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, describing the treatment of a severe COVID-19 patient with human recombinant soluble angiotensin-converting enzyme-2. By using the treatment, it was possible to see the disappearance of the virus swiftly from the patient's serum, nose, and lungs, as well as a reduction in the patients’ inflammatory markers. How was this achieved? And why is this so intriguing.

When we look at treating viruses, there are several strategies at work. You can prevent its spread by the use of social distancing or masks, you can use medications that prevent its replication (such as Tamiflu). Or you can stop the virus from entering the cells, the first step in viral replication.

SARS-CoV-2 appears to enter human cells through the ACE2 receptor. ACE2 is a protein in the cell membrane found across the human body, especially the lungs, heart, kidney and small intestine. It function is related to the Renin-Angiotensin System, a mechanism by which the kidneys control your blood pressure.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme converts angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. ACE 2 instead converts it to a protein that causes dilation of blood vessels. This likely protects these critical organs and ensure they receive sufficient blood to perform their tasks. ACE2 is being investigated as a possible target for blood pressure medications.

The study used a genetically modified soluble form of ACE2 that mimics the protein found on human cell membranes. By increasing its availability in the blood, the SARS-CoV-2 virus binds to this protein, resulting in its inactivation, rather than entering lung cells and causing lung injury. Lab studies have shown that it can reduce viral growth by as much as 1000 to 5000 times, and phase 1 studies show it to be safe to use in people.

The actual described case was in a 45-year-old woman, hospitalized with COVID, suffering from severe shortness of breath, cough and fatigue. She was first treated with hydroxychloroquine and anticoagulants, but this proved ineffective, and the virus was causing increasing damage to her lungs. Nine days after her symptoms started, she received the ACE2 treatment for a week, with no side effects. This resulted in an increase in ACE2 activity (seen from her blood results), but also a marked decrease in multiple inflammatory markers associated with COVID-19, as well as a sharp decrease in COVID 19 numbers. Indeed, the viral load dropped from 32,000 per mL to just 270 per mL two days after treatment started. She was also able to produce antibodies against the virus, so this did not impair her from getting immunity.

It is certainly a very interesting case, though questions remain on how feasible it would be (as well as how expensive) to manufacture large quantities of this protein receptor for treatment use, as well as how it fairs in clinical trials.

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Digital Diagnostics in India: Revolutionizing Early Detection and Precision Healthcare | SecondMedic

Healthcare in India is going digital - and diagnostics are leading the charge.
From AI-enabled lab reports to smart imaging tools that can detect diseases early, digital diagnostics are redefining how Indians experience healthcare.

With over 1.4 billion people and a growing demand for quick, accurate medical results, India’s diagnostic revolution is being powered by platforms like SecondMedic, which are integrating AI, analytics, and telemedicine into one connected ecosystem.

What Are Digital Diagnostics?

Digital diagnostics use advanced algorithms, connected lab systems, and health data analytics to analyze medical information faster and more accurately.

Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on manual interpretation, digital diagnostics integrate:

AI image recognition (for X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
Machine learning lab analytics (to flag abnormal parameters)
Predictive modeling (to forecast risks like diabetes or heart disease)
Telehealth integration (for immediate doctor consultation post-report)

According to NASSCOM HealthTech Report (2025), 67% of diagnostic labs in India are adopting digital tools for report automation and AI interpretation.

The Rise of Digital Diagnostics in India

India’s diagnostic market is one of the fastest-growing globally, projected to reach USD 40 billion by 2030, with digital diagnostics accounting for over 35% of that growth.

Key Drivers Include:

Rapid digitalization of healthcare infrastructure.
Growing use of wearables and home diagnostic devices.
Increased awareness of preventive health.
Government programs like Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) linking labs and EHRs.

In a country where every second counts, digital diagnostics cut waiting times from days to hours, enabling faster treatment and better outcomes.

How SecondMedic Is Redefining Diagnostics

At SecondMedic, diagnostics are not just about test results - they’re about insights that save lives.
Here’s how:

AI Report Analytics: Each report is processed through AI algorithms to highlight potential health risks.
Seamless Lab Integration: Partner labs upload digital results directly to patient dashboards.
Virtual Doctor Review: Instant consultations after report generation for interpretation and next steps.
Predictive Health Dashboard: Tracks historical data and provides early alerts.
Home Testing: Patients can schedule sample pickups and receive reports digitally.

“Our goal is to make diagnostics smarter - so diseases can be detected before they strike.”
- Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, Medical Director, SecondMedic

Data & Market Insights

Digital Diagnostics Market (India, 2025): USD 14.7 Billion (FICCI HealthTech Report)
Projected CAGR (2025-2030): 16.8% (IMARC Group)
AI Adoption in Labs: 67% of leading diagnostic centers (NASSCOM)
Turnaround Time Reduction: 45-60% improvement through automation (EY HealthTech Survey 2025)
SecondMedic Impact: 92% of patients reported faster diagnosis and clearer insights.

Benefits of Digital Diagnostics

Early Detection - AI identifies disease patterns before symptoms emerge.
Accuracy & Efficiency - Automated systems minimize human error.
Accessibility - Home diagnostics and virtual reports extend healthcare reach.
Predictive Care - Data integration supports preventive health management.
Affordability - Digital workflows reduce operational and patient costs.

Challenges & The Road Ahead

India’s diagnostic transformation still faces:

Uneven digital infrastructure in rural areas.
Data standardization and interoperability issues.
Need for robust data privacy frameworks.

Yet, with initiatives like ABDM and National Health Stack, the foundations for integrated digital diagnostics are rapidly strengthening.

The Future of Digital Diagnostics

By 2030, AI-driven diagnostics will be standard in every major Indian healthcare facility - not only for disease detection but also for continuous health monitoring.

Imagine your blood test results automatically analyzed by AI, cross-checked against your medical history, and instantly reviewed by your doctor - that’s SecondMedic’s vision for every Indian household.

Conclusion

Digital diagnostics in India are revolutionizing healthcare - transforming raw data into actionable health intelligence.
With AI, predictive analytics, and seamless integration, platforms like SecondMedic are bringing the future of healthcare to your doorstep.

Experience smarter diagnostics today at www.secondmedic.com

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