More data needed for convalescent plasma COVID treatment, experts sayA review by members of the National Institutes of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel finds insufficient data to recommend for or against convalescent plasma for treating COVID-19.The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved convalescent plasma for treatment under an emergency use authorization (EUA) in August.
An EUA does not confer FDA approval but allows the use of unapproved treatments during a public health emergency, provided that the therapy shows promise, benefits outweigh risks, and no alternatives are available.Immunotherapeutic approaches have been shown to be effective for other viral illnesses such as hepatitis B and varicella.