Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC) have isolated an antibody, dubbed Ab8, that is 10x smaller than a full-sized antibody used in drugs and completely neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The data, published in the journal Cell, showed that Ab8 was highly effective in preventing and treating COVID-19 in mice and hamsters.
The scientists says Ab8’s small size increases its potential for diffusion in tissues, increasing efficacy, while being potentially suitable for alternative routes of administration such as inhalation. A bonus is that it does not bind to human cells, thereby avoiding unwanted side effects.
Ab8 was identified by “fishing” in a pool of more than 100B potential candidates using the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as bait. It is created when the VH domain is fused to part of the immunoglobulin tail region, adding the immune functions of a full-sized antibody without the bulk.
Abound Bio, a newly formed UPMC-backed company, has in-licensed the rights to Ab8 for global development.
Selected tickers: Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD), Vir Biotechnology (NASDAQ:VIR), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN)
https://seekingalpha.com/news/3614311-scientists-isolate-tiny-antibody-neutralizes-sars-covminus-2
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