Coronavirus antibodies made by llamas could be administered to Covid-19 patients in the form of nasal sprays or asthma-style inhalers to help combat the disease.
Studies have shown that llama nanobodies, made by the animals' immune systems, are far more effective than their human equivalents at preventing illness and infection from Covid-19.
Lab experiments have showed that the nanobodies adhere to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19, effectively neutralising it.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland have now isolated these nanobodies from an individual llama named Cormac, in order to test their 'therapeutic, preventative, and diagnostic potential' in the fight against Covid-19.
Early indicators reveal the nanobodies are effective in aerosol form, and can be administered to humans via nasal sprays or asthma-style inhalers.
The nanobodies were isolated from an individual named Cormac by researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Maryland and early indicators reveal it also works in aerosol form, potentially leading to nasal sprays or inhalers (stock image, not Cormac)
Pictured, a diagram showing how scientists turned tiny antibodies from a llama, called nanobodies, into potential Covid-19 treatment in a lab
Senior author Professor David Brody said: 'We hope these anti-Covid-19 nanobodies may be highly effective and versatile in combating the coronavirus pandemic.'
Nanobodies are naturally produced by the immune systems of camelids - animals that include camels, llamas and alpacas.
On average, the proteins are about a tenth the weight of most human antibodies and are also cheaper and easier to engineer.
Teams across the world, including Britain, have been harvesting llama nanobodies that may help put the brakes on the pandemic.
Professor Brody and lead author Thomas 'T.J' Esparza say the one they have discovered – known as NIH-CoVnb-112 – is ten times stronger than any found to date.