February 3, 2021 -- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) has entered into an agreement with Rockefeller University to license a SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) combination.
The mAbs have been engineered to be highly potent and stable, allowing them to last longer in the bloodstream. Preclinical data suggests that the combination of the two mAbs may be an effective treatment against multiple variants of the virus. The increased half-life of the product was enabled by leveraging Xencor's fragment crystallizable (Fc) engineering technology.
Phase I clinical trials to assess intravenous and subcutaneous formulations of the combination mAbs were initiated in mid-January.
BMS has been granted a global exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Rockefeller's novel mAb combination treatment that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 for the therapy or prevention of COVID-19. Under the agreement, Rockefeller University is eligible to receive royalty payments on future sales.