Due to the continual emergence of SARS-CoV-2 mutants, there is an unmet clinical need for broad-spectrum treatments for COVID-19. A potential target for novel treatments is the S2 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, which has been highly conserved across the different variants of the virus.
In a study published in Nature on Oct. 11, coinciding with the beginning of IDWeek 2023 in Boston, researchers from Harvard Medical School described EVEscape, a method for anticipating the movements of SARS‑CoV‑2 by predicting potential mutations likely to escape current vaccines and treatments.
Biopharma happenings, including deals and partnerships, grants, preclinical data and other news in brief: Almirall, Berlin Cures, Biomap, Canariabio, Centrient, Couragen, GPCR, Hikma, Kamada, Ocugen, Pharmenable, Salipro, Sosei, Stem, Theramex, Venatorx, Verge, XNK.
Recently, researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, in collaboration with colleagues in Japan, have developed a human vascular organoid model that accurately mimics the vascular damage caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Regulatory snapshots, including global drug submissions and approvals, clinical trial approvals and other regulatory decisions and designations: Acrotech, Bioxcel, Inhibikase, Novavax, Noxopharm, Takeda, Theratechnologies, Transcenta, Vedanta.
Clinical updates, including trial initiations, enrollment status and data readouts and publications: Akero, Ardelyx, Biomx, Blue Earth, Clearside, Freeline, Gain, Moderna, Ocular, Oncoinvent, Regenxbio, Rejuvenate, Starton, Swanbio, Vedanta, Vertex, Veru.
Aerium Therapeutics Inc. has licensed and commenced development of three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with broad and potent activity against the predominant variants of SARS-CoV-2, including those containing the F456L mutation, such as EG.5.1. These antibodies could provide an option to protect immunocompromised populations from severe COVID-19.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, has awarded Vir Biotechnology Inc. approximately $50 million in new funding to advance the development of novel monoclonal antibody (MAb) candidates and delivery solutions to widen the applicability of MAbs in COVID-19 and in pandemic preparedness and response.