Vulnerable patients may need more help in the COVID-19 pandemic era

With the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the SARS-CoV-2 virus will be with us for a long time. A media roundtable organized by Roche Malaysia recently discussed the various ways in which vulnerable patient populations can cope with living in a world where vaccinations alone may not be sufficient.

The session was moderated by Dr Peter Tok, of the Centre for Clinical Outcome Research, Institute for Clinical Research, together with Dr Chua Hock Hin, Infectious Disease Physician, Sarawak General Hospital, and Dr Leong Hoe Nam, Infectious Diseases Physician at Rophi Clinic, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore.

Chua explained that the most vulnerable COVID-19 patients are those who are unable to develop an adequate antibody response to COVID-19 and these people should be safeguarded. Despite being vaccinated, these patients are still at risk for infection due to pre-existing conditions or medications. Both non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients can benefit from a variety of treatments, ranging from prophylactic treatment to actual therapies. As a result, it is hoped that these patients will be able to survive the new normal and live alongside COVID-19 in the future. 

COVID-19 is the biggest global health challenge of our time and everyone has to learn to live with it, said Chua. “One of the best ways is to equip ourselves with the necessary knowledge to understand the disease and the variety of treatment options which includes modern medicines, diagnostics solutions and vaccines. As we are all aware, many companies, research institutions and governments are working tirelessly in collaboration to find therapies that have the potential to treat and manage COVID-19, while the search for safe and effective treatments must continue. That is why it is imperative that the healthcare system acts early alongside vaccines with preventive and treatment methods, to eradicate the COVID-19 disease.”

Tok said the public should be aware that there are treatment options which are present now and soon to be available which will help to control symptoms, as well as contribute to the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Considering the current situation, Tok believes that these tools are needed to prevent and fight future COVID-19 outbreaks and minimize economic shutdowns whilst the public learns to live with COVID-19. 

Leong mentioned that apart from clinical care, supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation, there are several treatment options for treating patients with COVID-19 such as neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), antivirals, and immunomodulators. Regarding NAbs, he said: “These NAbs are naturally occurring antibodies that play an important role in the immune system. They signal the presence of a pathogen in the body so that white blood cells can locate and kill it. NAbs are responsible for blocking the entry of a pathogen into a cell so that it is firstly unable to infect healthy cells, and secondly, it is unable to replicate and cause severe infection.”

Also present was Deepti Saraf, general manager of Roche Malaysia. She noted that COVID-19 had an impact that extended beyond individuals who contract it. “That is why we are working with healthcare providers, authorities, and organizations to help make sure patients continue to receive the latest innovation in tests, treatment and care they need during these challenging times. Building on a longstanding tradition of partnerships, we are working together to make healthcare stronger and more sustainable in the future.”