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Botany and Research => Plant Science => Topic started by: Roze on October 07, 2014, 09:01:39 PM

Title: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: Roze on October 07, 2014, 09:01:39 PM
With the Ebola scare growing, at least three drugs are being used experimentally in animal and human trials.
One drug, ZMapp, has already been used on at least two victims, who’ve survived.

Here’s how ZMapp is made: First a genetically engineered virus is injected into a tobacco plant. The plant then produces antibodies. Unlike earlier attempts in mice, the tobacco plant can produce enough antibodies for dozens of doses.

 Dr. Charles Arntzen explains that: "As the plant starts turning yellow, ’cause it’s going to die from the viral infection, once you see that the plant has gotten to that point, the guys in Kentucky harvest the leaf material, then Cloned “humanized” antibodies are separated from the plant, purified, and turned into doses. In a patient, those antibodies attach themselves to Ebola’s harmful cells and destroy the virus”

Trouble is, the whole process takes time, as long as six months per dose.

The ZMapp given to the missionaries in August was apparently made from tobacco leaves at a facility in Kentucky.

This is why I always trust plants.. they will save the world one day!
Title: Re: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: EIRN on October 07, 2014, 09:15:44 PM
Tobacco is the major plant to many native american cultures...is a  Protection/Purification plant...

they will save the world one day!

They save the world every day!
Title: Re: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: Roze on October 07, 2014, 09:21:00 PM
Quote
They save the world every day!

So true!  :)
Title: Re: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: happyconcacti on October 08, 2014, 06:00:05 PM
Is there information on what species they're using?

Hcc
Title: Re: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: BubbleCat on October 08, 2014, 09:49:36 PM
I heard 7/7 Macacca Mulatta have survived - but they were treated from the early on. I have heard recently a homo sapiens unfortunately died, he wasn't diagnosed ebola in time and treated lately.


Edit: Oh ... "Using" lost in translation D'oh :D I have no clue what they use as source of the medicine :D Stupid BubbleCat, cant stop laughing
Title: Re: Ebola drug ZMapp is made from tobacco leaves
Post by: Roze on October 09, 2014, 09:39:59 PM
ZMapp is manufactured in the tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana in the bioproduction process known as "pharming".

"Nicotiana benthamiana is a close relative of tobacco and species of Nicotiana indigenous to Australia :The herbaceous plant is found amongst rocks on hills and cliffs throughout the northern regions of Australia. Variable in height and habit, the species may be erect and up to 1.5 metres or sprawling out no taller than 200 millimetres. The flowers are white"

I've meet a new specie today! ;)