Celltrion Developing ‘Super Antibody’ Targeting Potential SARS-CoV-2 Mutations

Celltrion Group (Incheon, South Korea) has successfully selected the most potent antibody candidates to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Through a partnership with the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), Celltrion initially identified and secured 300 different types of antibodies that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. These were then screened based on their ability to bind to the virus spike protein. Celltrion was then able to capture a total of 38 potent neutralizing antibodies, out of which, 14 are powerful neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Following the selection of antibody candidates which demonstrate high potency in neutralizing SARS-CoV-2, Celltrion will begin cell-line development. Once this is completed, Celltrion aims to roll out mass production of the therapeutic antibody and, together with the KCDC, Celltrion will conduct efficacy and toxicity testing in mice and non-human primates.

“We are bringing our full resources and expertise to overcome this global health crisis and are glad to have identified these antibodies sooner than previously expected. These antibodies can recognize multiple epitopes, thus increasing the probability of nonspecific antigen binding,” said Ki-Sung Kwon, Head of R&D Unit at Celltrion. “Given the expedited development process of our antiviral antibody treatment, we anticipate moving to first-in-human clinical trials in July. We are also on track with the development of a ‘super antibody’ or ‘an antibody cocktail’ and the launch of a rapid self-testing diagnostic kit in the summer of this year.”

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