Plasma from recovered patients tested against COVID-19 – trial ends early
NCT ID NCT04516811
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether giving plasma (the liquid part of blood) from people who recovered from COVID-19 could help hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. The plasma contains antibodies that might fight the virus. The trial planned to enroll many patients but was stopped early after including 102 adults. Participants received either the plasma or a placebo (salt water) along with standard care. The main goal was to see if more patients improved within 28 days.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- COVID-19 convalescent plasma (antibodies from recovered patients)
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this could provide a treatment option for hospitalized COVID-19 patients using donated antibodies.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early with only 102 participants, so results are limited. Convalescent plasma carries risks like allergic reactions or lung injury.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Mitchells Plain Hospital
Cape Town, Western Cape, 7786, South Africa
-
Universitas Hospital
Bloemfontein, Free State, 9301, South Africa
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