Anne Frosch, MD, MPH
Key Researcher
Anne Frosch, MD, MPH, is an assistant professor of Infectious Diseases and HIV physician at the Hennepin Healthcare and the University of Minnesota. Her research interests lie in translational infectious diseases and vaccine immunology. She has worked on malaria immunology with a focus on the vulnerability of adults and the impact of HIV infection on malaria specific immune responses.
Immune Therapy and Immunology
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatically destructive effect on the social, economic and physical health of our global society. With a tradition of excellence in clinical research, extensive experience treating underserved populations, and an unparalleled expertise in critical care, Hennepin Healthcare is ideally suited to respond to this crisis.
In collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute (HHRI) seeks to engage in a clinical protocol utilizing convalescent plasma as a therapeutic treatment for seriously ill COVID-19 patients.
Convalescent plasma has appeared to be of benefit for the treatment of certain infectious diseases, including infections from respiratory viruses like influenza. This clinical protocol seeks to understand if a similar benefit can be derived in response to COVID-19.
One of the ways that people fight off infectious diseases is by developing antibodies that lead to the destruction of the invading microorganism. The antibodies are present in the blood, and more specifically in the liquid portion of the blood called plasma. People who have recovered from being recently infected can donate their plasma, which can then be given to individuals who are infected with the virus in order to try to help their immune system eliminate it.
Taking into account the preliminary data available on the possible benefit of COVID-19 plasma along with the relative lack of other readily available therapeutic options for this severe and life threatening disease, launch of this clinical protocol is an urgent and important need.
The unique role Hennepin plays as a backbone institution in the community underscores the importance of a rapid response. Your support will help to unlock the puzzle of treating this disease, helping countless families and communities regain their strength and vitality. Together, we are more than scientists – we are compassionate clinicians working to help our neighbors live their fullest lives.
To make a donation to this program, click on the Donate to this Program button. In the Other box under Designation, type in Immune Therapy and Immunology
Anne Frosch, MD, MPH, is an assistant professor of Infectious Diseases and HIV physician at the Hennepin Healthcare and the University of Minnesota. Her research interests lie in translational infectious diseases and vaccine immunology. She has worked on malaria immunology with a focus on the vulnerability of adults and the impact of HIV infection on malaria specific immune responses.