Labcorp Study Suggests COVID-19 Antibodies Remain at Least 10 Months After Infection
May 24 2021 - 5:14PM
Business Wire
Study of More Than 39,000 People Also
Investigated Impact of Age, Sex on Antibody Endurance
Nearly 87% of naturally infected COVID-19 patients maintained
antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 proteins for at least 10 months, according
to a new Labcorp (NYSE: LH) analysis of specimens from 39,086
individuals.
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The study, published May 24 in The Lancet-affiliated
EClinicalMedicine, offers real-world evidence of the body’s
response to the virus and the possibility of protection against
future infection. It is the largest known COVID-19-related study by
specimen volume of its kind, harnessing Labcorp’s robust testing
infrastructure to enhance the public’s understanding of this
potentially deadly virus.
“Our observational analysis provides an encouraging timeline for
antibody development and sustainability among the U.S. population,”
said David Alfego, PhD, Labcorp senior data scientist and the
paper’s lead author. “We sincerely hope it sparks more research,
helps unearth answers to complex questions and informs critical,
post-pandemic planning.”
Alfego and a team of Labcorp scientists analyzed results from
tests used to detect antibodies that guard against “spike” and
nucleocapsid proteins on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Their analysis
included specimens collected from 39,086 individuals with COVID-19
and tested between March 2020 and January 2021.
By employing various techniques, Labcorp scientists were able to
map rates of antibody positivity, as well as the correlation of a
person’s age and sex on antibody status.
Notable findings include:
- While sample sizes varied each day after a positive COVID-19
test, the antibody positivity rate to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
remained mostly stable for the U.S. population through 300 days
after the initial test.
- The positivity rate of antibodies to the nucleocapsid protein—a
coronavirus component that is more active during early
infection—declined more rapidly than the rate of spike antibodies
but remained above 60% through 10 months of testing.
- Individuals under the age of 65 showed a more sustained rate of
positive antibody results, meaning those 65 and older may have
increased difficulty maintaining antibodies for a prolonged period
of time.
- There was no statistically significant difference in spike
antibody positivity rates between males and females over time.
“This is good news for naturally infected individuals, and
potentially for those who have been vaccinated,” said Brian
Caveney, M.D., chief medical officer and president of Labcorp
Diagnostics. “More research must be done to understand what type
and level of antibodies suggest protection from reinfection. But
the prolonged presence of certain antibodies is a promising sign as
we continue thinking about safely emerging from the pandemic, as
well as future vaccinations and the timing of booster shots.”
The research, another example of Labcorp’s significant
involvement in the country’s COVID-19 response, can be accessed
here.
About Labcorp
Labcorp is a leading global life sciences company that provides
vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical
companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident
decisions. Through our unparalleled diagnostics and drug
development capabilities, we provide insights and accelerate
innovations to improve health and save lives. With over 70,000
employees, we serve clients in more than 100 countries. Labcorp
(NYSE: LH) reported revenue of $14 billion in FY2020. Learn more
about us at www.Labcorp.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter
@Labcorp.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements,
including but not limited to statements with respect to our
responses to and the expected future impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic, scientific collaborations, customer contracts and
relationships, the anticipated benefits of such collaboration and
relationships, and the expected impact that the various
collaborations and customer relationships may have on the Company’s
financial results. Each of the forward-looking statements is
subject to change based on various important factors, many of which
are beyond the Company’s control, including without limitation,
whether our responses to the COVID-19 pandemic will prove
effective, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and
financial condition as well as on general economic, business, and
market conditions, the Company’s ability to establish and maintain
strategic partnerships and other scientific collaborations,
competitive actions in the marketplace, changes in government
regulations, including healthcare reform, customer purchasing
decisions, including changes in payer regulations or policies,
adverse actions of governmental and other third-party payers,
patient safety issues, changes in testing guidelines or
recommendations, and federal, state, and local governmental
responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors, in some cases,
have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could
affect the Company’s ability to implement the company’s business
strategy and actual results could differ materially from those
suggested by these forward-looking statements. As a result, readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our
forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to
provide any updates to these forward-looking statements even if its
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could affect operating and financial results is included in the
Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent
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and in the Company’s other filings with the SEC.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210524005818/en/
Labcorp Contacts: Media: Christopher Allman-Bradshaw –
336-436-8263 Media@Labcorp.com
Investors: Chas Cook – 336-436-5076 Investor@Labcorp.com
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