Human Monoclonal Antibodies (hmAbs) for Neutralizing COVID19 Virus
A new project towards the development of human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs) that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in patients has been approved by CSIR ( The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) through its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) program.
A form of immunotherapy designed to enhance the resistance by the immune system or to produce immunity to a disease is monoclonal antibody therapy. From the gradual recovery phase of COVID-19 patients, generating hmAbs to SARS-CoV-2 and selecting high affinity and neutralizing antibodies is the aim of this new project. Additionally, the project also aims to be prepared in combating future SARS-CoV infections by anticipating future adaptation of the virus and generating hmAbs clones that can neutralize the mutated virus so that it could be used readily.
This industry-academia collaboration comprises the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Indore; National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) Pune; Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL), Hyderabad; and PredOmix Technologies Ltd, Gurugram. The project to develop hmAbs (human monoclonal antibodies) for the novel coronavirus infection is led by the biotherapeutics and vaccines maker BBIL. BBIL will be responsible for subsequent development and commercialization of the hmAbs generated and
will be the commercial partner.Dr Shekhar C Mande, DG-CSIR, commented that “To combat the virus, it is critical that we deploy all possible strategies, and our understanding is evolving each day as the research into SARS-CoV-2 is in early days. Thus, CSIR is supporting new ideas that have a clear deployment strategy and we are exploring all avenues.”
Using a multi-pronged approach and multiple models of engagement, CSIR is leading the fight against COVID-19. CSIR labs are working with industry and public sector undertakings for deployment and are themselves are developing technologies and products. To support new ideas and projects from academic institutions and industries, NMITLI is a flagship program of CSIR.
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hmAbs for neutralizing COVID19 Virus
