There are limited therapeutic options to treat COVID-19, and COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) is currently one of the most common treatments for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, limited data on efficacy have been available. Additional data in support of the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma from a meta-analysis have just been pre-published. The meta-analysis of 12 studies (including 3 randomized controlled trials) suggests CCP reduces mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The mortality rate in 804 hospitalized patients who received CCP was 13% compared to 25% in patients which received standard care (odds ratio, 0.43; P<0.001). Currently, 53,472 patients have been treated with CCP, but the demand is higher than the supply. Over 83,470 patients have requested CCP. To this end, the President of the United States issued a National Call to Action to donate plasma, and on July 30, 2020, the President participated in a roundtable at the American Red Cross with leading health officials from the government, blood collection agencies, and industry encouraging CCP donation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering granting Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP).
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