As the Medical Director for Bloodworks Bio, Dr. N. Rebecca Haley’s newest project is one that could, if history is any guide, have a big impact in worldwide the fight against COVID-19. Over the past few months, the virus has disrupted public health systems the world over, leaving officials scrambling to respond.
But Dr. Haley is taking a pioneering path with a century-old technique, using antibody-rich “convalescent plasma” from donors who’ve recovered from COVID-19 to transfuse into patients currently sick with it, giving their immune systems a boost that could prove lifesaving. It’s worked with other pandemics, and Dr. Haley thinks it’s worth a try this time too. Listen to find out why.
Co-produced by Bill Harper.