X
Translate:
For Media Inquiries,
Please email
media@uhnj.org

04/20/20

RUTGERS, UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL LEAD WAY IN TREATING COVID-19 WITH CONVALESCENT PLASMA FROM RECOVERED PATIENTS

Researchers, doctors call for more blood donations from former patients to help treat critically ill

Rutgers physicians and University Hospital are leading the way in using blood plasma from patients who recovered from COVID-19 to treat new patients who are severely ill with COVID-19 infections. The clinicians and hospital are calling for more blood donations from those who have survived the deadly infection.

Although COVID-19 infections and fatalities continue to increase in New Jersey and across the United States, more than 50,000 people have recovered from the novel virus. Their blood plasma
contains antibodies that may help critically ill patients fight, and perhaps conquer, the virus.

Last Friday, Rutgers practitioners at University Hospital received the first FDA approval for this treatment in New Jersey, and have thus far treated 17 patients with convalescent plasma. FDA
approval is pending for the use of this treatment for additional patients.

The effectiveness of this treatment is not yet known, though similar treatment has been studied for Ebola and the MERS virus. Practitioners and researchers will monitor and investigate the progress of COVID-19 patients who receive this treatment.

“The use of convalescent plasma – blood plasma from individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 – presents real hope for saving lives,” said Marc Klapholz, Chair of the Department of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and University Hospital, and the Principal Investigator for the use of Convalescent COVID-19 plasma.

“In our battle against the COVID-19 virus, we are excited to be trialing this potential life-saving therapy in partnership with Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. This treatment plan has been
used for more than 100 years to address disease outbreaks for other conditions, and we’re optimistic that it will save lives,” said Shereef Elnahal, President and CEO of University Hospital.

People interested in donating plasma must have had a confirmed positive test for COVID-19 from a lab or health facility and be eligible to donate blood. They can reach the Rutgers and
University Hospital COVID-19 Treatment Group at 973-972-5474 or via email at covidplasma@uhnj.org.

Other Recent News Stories
06/12/25

University Hospital Performs 100th TAVR Procedure, Showcasing Excellence in Structural Heart Innovation

Newark, NJ – June 12, 2025 – University Hospital’s Structural Heart Program recently completed its 100th Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, a major achievement that reflects the hospital’s efforts to expand access to minimally-invasive cardiovascular treatments for underserved communities in Newark and surrounding areas. This marks a period of rapid growth and unwavering commitment […]

More
06/10/25

RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute Join with University Hospital to Grow Oncology and Related Services in the Greater Newark Region

Newark, NJ, June 10, 2025 – RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute are pleased to announce the addition of new oncology specialty care and related services at University Hospital in Newark. The agreement is intended to promote the health and wellness of cancer patients in the greater Newark area, consistent with the organizations’ commitment to […]

More
04/28/25

Groundbreaking University Hospital EMS Program is First State-Certified Level 1 Trauma Center to Bring Life-Saving Blood Transfusions to Prehospital Setting in New Jersey

NEWARK, NJ: University Hospital is proud to announce the launch of a new lifesaving, ambulance-based blood transfusion program aimed at improving patient outcomes in critically injured patients. This new initiative, which is only available in a handful of hospitals across the country, will equip specially-trained University Hospital paramedics with the ability to administer blood transfusions […]

More
Scroll to Top