WuXi Biologics has established a research and development team to develop and manufacture multiple neutralising antibodies for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
A 3D medical animation depicting the shape and the cross-sectional view of coronavirus (Credit: https://www.scientificanimations.com/Wikipedia.)
China-based biologics technology firm WuXi Biologics has started the development of multiple neutralizing antibodies for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) leveraging its integrated technology platforms.
The company said that in preliminary studies, the antibodies offered by the global biotech companies have shown potential in neutralising 2019-nCoV.
WuXi Biologics CEO Chris Chen said: “Confronted by this severe outbreak, WuXi Biologics has taken prompt actions to accelerate the development of multiple neutralizing antibodies for 2019-nCoV, based on our extensive biologics development and manufacturing experience in the fields of infectious diseases.
“Compared with the traditional timeline of 12 to 18 months, all studies from DNA to IND could hopefully be completed in 4-5 months while maintaining high quality. This way we can provide effective and timely interventions for the disease caused by 2019-nCoV.
WuXi Biologics to produce the first of antibodies for Coronavirus in two months
WuXi Biologics said that it has established a research and development team with more than 100 professionals, to develop and manufacture multiple neutralising antibodies for 2019-nCoV.
The company is planning to produce the first batch of antibody in two months, for the preclinical toxicology studies and initial human clinical studies.
In addition, it intends to start the large scale manufacturing of the antibodies, after completing the clinical trials at its four GMP facilities, with 2,000 to 12,000 litres single batch bioreactor capacity. The single batch of antibodies would be sufficient to treat up to 80,000 patients with viral infections, said the company.
The company claimed that it has completed the preclinical chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) for the first yellow fever antibody within seven months and first Zika virus antibody within and nine months, using its technology platforms.
Chen added: “Continuing in our mission of ‘enabling global partners and benefiting patients worldwide’, WuXi Biologics will actively work together with global and domestic biotech companies, hospitals, medical institutions and other parties to win the battle against this infectious disease.”