Abnova COVID-19 Humanized Antibody Effective Against Both UK (B.1.1.7) and South Africa (B.1.351) Variants

Neihu, Taiwan (March 12, 2021)

Abnova announced today that its best-in-class COVID-19 humanized antibody (7F7) is effective against both the UK (B.1.1.7) and South Africa (B.1.351) variants. This is in light of the fact the currently EUA approved monoclonal antibodies (Eli Lilly and Regeneron) and vaccines (Moderna, BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson&Johnson, Novavax) are not effective against the B.1.351 variant. This worry is compounded by another new Brazilian variant (P.1) which share similar mutation traits with the South Africa (B.1.351) variant. There is an urgent and unmet market need for an effective therapy against the B.1.351 and P.1 variants.

Abnova’s 7F7 humanized antibody is extremely potent monoclonal antibody, retaining 1ng/ml and 8ng/ml IC50 against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variant, respectively (http://www.abnova.com/support/technologies.asp?switchfunctionid={9A24DE32-1A23-44BC-AB0F-415872507125}). Neutralizing antibody with this single digit potency is quite rare and even rarer against all COVID-19 subtypes, as shown by a recent paper by Dr. David Ho. As a result, Abnova is taking a two tier strategy to further develop and commercialize the 7F7 antibody.

First, Abnova is sprinting forward to develop a nasal spray prophylaxis against COVID-19 and its variants. Leveraging the proprietary knowledge where the 7F7 antibody binds on the spike protein, Abnova has the unique opportunity to use this exclusive peptide sequence as an peptide inhibitor against all COVID-19 subtypes. Peptides are easier than antibody for nasal spray formulation and manufacturing due to increased stability and ease of storage. Second, in a race against time, Abnova is approaching several biotech and pharma with existing capability and capacity to facilitate CMC manufacturing of 7F7 antibody for parenteral administration.