Antibodies from llamas found to stop coronavirus entering human cells

Reading-based llama named Fifi at forefront of potential new treatment

Antibodies from llamas can be used to boost humans' immune response to coronavirus

(Matt Cardy/Getty)

UK researchers are celebrating a breakthrough in efforts to develop an effective coronavirus treatment based upon the immune response of llamas.

Antibodies derived from llamas have been found to block coronavirus from entering human cells, in a study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology on Monday.

Transfusions of antibody-rich blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients are already being trialled in hospitals across the UK, after showing some promise in treating boosting the immune response and recovery of severely ill patients.