The drug is composed of three humanized monoclonal antibodies that are produced transgenically in and subsequently purified from the tobacco plant Nicotiana.[1] The cocktail combines the best components of MB-003 (Mapp) and ZMAb (Defyrus/PHAC).

The current process design includes placing the genes for the desired antibodies into two plant viruses to infect tobacco plant cells via the Argobacterium intermediate step. The plant then creates antibodies that are then extracted from the tobacco plant. The process takes a couple weeks.

Research

ZMapp includes monoclonal antibodies, which showed promising results in earlier experiments.

MB-003

A study published in September 2012, found that Ebola infected rhesus macaque survived when receiving MB-003 (mixture of 3 chimeric monoclonal antibodies), 1h postinfection. When treated 24 or 48h postinfection, four of six animals survived and had little to no viremia and few, if any, clinical symptoms.

ZMab

A study published in November 2013, found that Ebola virus infected macaque monkeys survived after being given a therapy with a combination of 3 EBOV-GP-specific monoclonal antibodies (ZMAb), within 24 hours of infection. Also note, two of four other monkeys that starting therapy within 48 hours after infection also survived. The authors concluded that post-exposure treatment and a second lethal exposure after 10 and 13 weeks resulted in a robust immune response.

Results

While it is not yet known if this drug creates a viable cure, both patients who have received these antibodies appear to be improving.

Case of Dr. Kent Brantly

On July 22 Dr. Brantly woke up with symptoms of a fever. He immediately isolated himself and a rapid field test confirmed that he had become infected with Ebola.

The vials of ZMapp arrived from the United States on July 31. Per instructions the vials were thawed to reach a liquid state.

Brantly began to deteriorate and developed labored breathing. The antibodies were administered through an IV. Within an hour of receiving the medication his condition began to dramatically improve. Previous symptoms including a rash and labored breathing disappeared. The following morning he was able to take a shower on his own before boarding an air ambulance for the United States. Once in the United States, his condition continued to improve.[4] According to Samaritan's Purse, Dr. Brantly received a blood transfusion from a 14 year old boy, who survived a Ebola virus infection, before treated with the ZMapp serum.

Case of Nancy Writebol

An aid worker working alongside Dr. Brantly, Nancy Writebol was also infected with Ebola virus at the same time as Dr. Brantly. Her condition was more stable than Dr. Brantly and so she received the second dose of ZMapp. Her condition also improved before returning to the United States a couple days later

Is they bitter kola in the drug?

There is no bitter kola there.