Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai screened approximately 15,000 recovered COVID-19 patients for the presence of anti-COVID-19 antibodies using a diagnostic test also developed at the Icahn School.

Under the agreement, Sorrento will have access to plasma containing anti-COVID-19 antibodies to identify and produce monoclonal antibodies with potential neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2.

Together, the organizations will develop antibody products that will act as a "protective shield" against SARS-CoV-2 infection and potentially block the virus in naïve at-risk populations and infected individuals. COVI-Shield will deliver three antibodies together that recognize unique regions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.

If the drug achieves regulatory approval, it will be offered as a prophylactic for individuals returning to work and a therapeutic to individuals who have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2. The organizations anticipate that each dose will provide antiviral protection for up to two months.

Sorrento is filing investigational new drug requirements with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and expects to begin phase I clinical trials later in the year.