First Novel Monoclonal Antibody Against COVID-19 Enters Clinical Trials

Tychan (Singapore), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, is initiating Phase 1 clinical trials to evaluate TY027, the first novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically targets SARS-CoV-2.

TY027 is being explored for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 to slow the progression of the disease and accelerate recovery, as well as for its potential to provide temporary protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2. Tychan developed TY027 in partnership with several Singapore government agencies over a period of just four months, including discovery and laboratory and preclinical studies. TY027 showed full clearance of the virus in laboratory studies and demonstrated safety in preclinical studies, as well as achieved a successful three-week drug stability test.

Approved by the Singapore regulatory agency, Health Sciences Authority, the Phase 1 trial will be conducted by SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit. Through the use of Tychan’s proprietary technology and rapid response techniques, the trial is expected to take only about six weeks. Upon reaching the key milestones of the Phase 1 trial, Tychan will seek to establish the efficacy of the mAb, and this efficacy data is expected to be available in the third quarter of this year.

“Rapidly developing a cure for COVID-19 is exactly the raison d’etre of Tychan. While still a few months away from knowing if we are successful, we are hopeful because of our success in the development of mAbs against Zika and Yellow Fever. We will continue with the fast pace of development as we are conscious that a day saved is a day less of misery,” said Teo Ming Kian, Chairman of the Board, Tychan. “Although done with great speed, the development is not fast enough for those who have lost their lives and their loved ones, and had their livelihoods disrupted and economies ravaged. What we want to do is to not only help people around the world avoid the devastating effects of COVID-19, but better prepare for the next unfortunate infectious disease outbreak through the learnings of developing therapeutics for each outbreak.”

Related Links:
Tychan