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New York Times: Ingredient to Neutralizing Coronavirus May Come From Llamas

llama looking through fence

llama looking through fence Photo by Joakim Honkasalo

A llama named Winter could prove useful in the hunt for a treatment for COVID-19, according to U.S. and Belgian scientists who have identified a tiny particle that appears to block the new coronavirus.

Llamas on a research farm in Belgium have been used for antibody research against SARS and MERS, which are relatives to coronavirus. Llamas have the ability to produce tiny antibodies known as nanobodies that could block certain protein infections. Current results are promising in the research of these nanobodies to effectively block COVID-19. Research is still in its early stages.

Business Insider: “A 4-year-old llama may hold the key ingredient to neutralizing the coronavirus”
NY Times: “Hoping Llamas Will Become Coronavirus Heroes”

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