May 19, 2020 -- Antibody research and development firm Abcore said that it's discovered and tested a panel of functional therapeutic candidates for the treatment of COVID-19.
The single-domain antibodies bind to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and functionally block binding to the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor, according to the company. A type of engineered monoclonal antibody, these single-domain antibodies are functionally similar to traditional antibodies, but are 90% smaller and more stable, Abcore said.
Abcore said that it generated the patent-pending candidates in six weeks by using its antibody discovery and phage display platform, which includes a library of over 100 billion single-domain antibodies. The firm is now planning to further characterize the candidates and is also exploring licensing agreements with partners to help characterize and commercialize the antibodies into therapeutics that can be used to treat COVID-19.