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.

NantKwest scales up COVID-19 stem cell therapy
NantKwest announced that it received investigational new drug authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat patients with acute...

Nasal, oral antiseptics show antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2
Veloce BioPharma has reported that its nasal and oral antiseptics are effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.

FDA issues EUA for remdesivir to treat severe COVID-19 cases
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the investigational antiviral drug remdesivir to be used...

New antiviral drug could work against many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2
An antiviral drug called EIDD-2801 that's in preclinical testing has potential to be developed into the silver bullet that medical professionals seek...

Samsung Biologics, Vir partner on SARS-CoV-2 program
Samsung Biologics announced it will manufacture Vir Biotechnology's SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody program for a potential COVID-19 treatment.