Researchers Achieve Significant Breakthrough in Extracting Key Antibodies to Neutralize Coronavirus

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 May 2020
In a groundbreaking scientific development, scientists from the Israel Institute for Biological Research {(IIBR) Ness-Ziona, Israel} have identified an antibody that neutralizes the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The institute had recently begun testing a COVID-19 vaccine prototype on rodents and is also undertaking plasma collection from people who have recovered from COVID-9 infection.

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In IIBR’s latest scientific breakthrough, the identified antibody is monoclonal, new and refined, and contains an exceptionally low proportion of harmful proteins. The institute has also demonstrated the ability of the antibody to neutralize the novel coronavirus and has specifically tested it on the aggressive coronavirus.

The IIBR has now begun the process of patenting its antibody and securing a contract for its commercial development. It expects to complete full development and secure approvals for its coronavirus vaccine in early 2021. The institute also plans to open Israel's first vaccine production facility in partnership with one of two prospective international pharmaceutical companies, one from India and the other from the US. The facility will manufacture tens of millions of vaccine units of various types to ensure self-sufficiency for Israel during regular routine vaccinations as well as in case of a pandemic.

Related Links:
Israel Institute for Biological Research


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