PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - José-María Díez
AU  - Carolina Romero
AU  - Rodrigo Gajardo
TI  - Currently available intravenous immunoglobulin (Gamunex<sup>®</sup>-C and Flebogamma<sup>®</sup> DIF) contains antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens
AID  - 10.1101/2020.04.07.029017
DP  - 2020 Jan 01
TA  - bioRxiv
PG  - 2020.04.07.029017
4099  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/04/16/2020.04.07.029017.short
4100  - http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2020/04/16/2020.04.07.029017.full
AB  - Background There is a critical need for effective therapies that are immediately available to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. In this study, we assessed currently marketed intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) products for antibodies against human common coronaviruses that may cross-react with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.Methods Gamunex®-C and Flebogamma® DIF (Grifols) IVIG were tested against several betacoronaviruses antigens using ELISA techniques: HCoV (undetermined antigen), HCoV-HKU1 (N protein), SARS-CoV (culture lysate), MERS-CoV (N protein; S1 protein/RBD; S protein), and SARS-CoV-2 (S1 protein).Results Both IVIG products showed consistent reactivity to components of the tested viruses. Positive cross-reactivity was seen in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. For SARS-CoV-2, positive reactivity was observed at IVIG concentrations ranging from 100 μg/mL with Gamunex-C to 1 mg/mL with Flebogamma 5% DIF.Conclusion Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF IVIG contain antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 antigens. These preparations may be useful for immediate treatment of COVID-19 disease.Competing Interest StatementThe authors are full-time employees of Grifols, the manufacturer of Gamunex-C and Flebogamma DIF.