Yuhan and AbClon have joined the list of pharmaceutical companies that are in the race to develop a therapeutic antibody for COVID-19. They have identified a multifariously adaptive candidate for COVID-19 therapy, which they plan to begin testing on humans before the end of this year.
According to Yuhan and Abclon, their antibody in a laboratory setting has shown neutralizing effects, not only for the “S-strain”, which was widespread in Asia, but also for the “G-strain” mutations of COVID-19, which is prevalent in the US, Europe, and now in South Korea as well.
Since February, AbClon had been running its Novel Epitope Screening Technology platform to identify antibody candidates that block the binding of human ACE2 protein with the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus. Among 20 candidates, the company selected a final and optimal antibody drug candidate for further development.
Based on its extensive experience with clinical development and commercialization, Yuhan Corporation plans to take initiative in AbClon’s pre-clinical evaluation for the COVID-19 neutralizing antibody treatment, apply for clinical trial plans, and conduct clinical design and implementation.
The two companies are operating a Task Force team comprised of experienced scientists and are making all-out efforts for the rapid development of a cell line and the sample drugs for animal and human tests.
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- Related Article from The Korea Herald (English): http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200727000502