WuXi Biologics Announces Development of Neutralizing Antibodies for Novel Coronavirus

WuXi Biologics announced on Jan. 29, 2020 that it will be developing multiple neutralizing antibodies for Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) with its integrated technology platforms.

According to a company press release, WuXi’s R&D team will be developing and manufacturing 2019-nCoV-neutralizing antibodies at the company's four GMP facilities with a single batch bioreactor capacity ranging from 2000 to 12,000 liters. The first batch is expected to be produced in two months for preclinical toxicology studies and initial human clinical studies and is estimated to treat up to 80,000 patients.

"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," said Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, in the press release. "Continuing in our mission of 'enabling global partners and benefiting patients worldwide', WuXi Biologics will actively work together with global and domestic biotechnology companies, hospitals, medical institutions, and other parties to win the battle against this infectious disease."

Source: WuXi Biologics