The preclinical experiments show that the candidate, BHV-1200, substantially reduced viral entry into cells. The candidate also showed broad and potent antiviral activity against the wildtype SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, as well as those associated with reduced susceptibility to therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and recent strains.

In vitro data indicated that BHV-1200 may activate important immune system components including antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).

The MATE conjugation technology uses a class of synthetic peptide binders to target the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The binders are subsequently conjugated to commercially available intravenous immunoglobulin. The synthetic binders were designed to establish a wider area and number of contacts with the spike protein.

The development of the COVID-19 MATE program is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Biohaven acquires Kleo Pharmaceuticals
Biohaven Pharmaceuticals has completed its acquisition of Kleo Pharmaceuticals in a deal worth $20 million to advance bispecific compounds that emulate...