Human testing for rabies antibody

A new rabies antibody has been tested on humans for the first time in India.

Researchers from MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School are carrying out a clinical trial at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.

The new study is aiming to develop more advanced treatment for people who have been bitten by rabid animals.

Donna Ambrosino, executive director of MassBiologic, explained that India is a good location for testing due to the country's rabies problem.

Deborah Molrine, MD, deputy director of clinical and regulatory affairs at MassBiologics, said: "Too often physicians in India and other developing countries only have the rabies vaccine to offer, and that alone isn't always enough to prevent infection.

"If this new antibody proves effective in people, it will have a tremendous impact on saving lives."

Rabies causes around 55,000 deaths annually, according to the latest estimates from the World Health Organisation.

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