The factors why the clinical outcomes during infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus are highly heterogenous remains poorly understood. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is a secreted protein with roles in lipid metabolism; interestingly, APOE has been shown to modulate immunity, including infection and antitumor immunity.
Sorrento Therapeutics Inc. has published data on the identification, in vitro binding and neutralizing activity of a novel monoclonal antibody (MAb), STI-5041, against the SARS-CoV-2 WA-1 strain as well as the alpha and beta variants from their G-MAB library screening.
The University of Arizona has divulged nonstructural protein 3 (Nsp3; PL-PRO) (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 virus) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, will provide seed funding of up to $4.8 million to Intravacc BV to advance the development of a broadly protective betacoronavirus vaccine candidate, which can be delivered intranasally.
The U.S. FDA’s device center recently advised companies that make tests for the COVID-19 pandemic that the emergency use authorization program for tests is winding down, albeit with a few exceptions.
Although U.S. President Joe Biden suggested in September that the pandemic is over, health officials insist there is still much to do in preparation for an endemic stage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The number of weekly COVID-19 confirmed cases both globally and in the U.S. is similar with each of the last two years, but deaths from the virus are at some of the lowest levels since the pandemic began. Still, the virus will continue to evolve and circulate, and the biopharma industry will need to develop new booster vaccines, antivirals and monoclonal antibodies, among other candidates, to prepare for upcoming battles.
Infex Therapeutics Ltd. has divulged nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3, PL-PRO) macrodomain (Mac1) (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 virus) inhibitors reported to be useful for the treatment of coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome.
Imunon Inc. has reported partial results from an ongoing nonhuman primate study designed to examine the immunogenicity of its proprietary Placcine vaccine (PL-COV). The data support Placcine as a viable alternative to mRNA vaccines.
Maxwell Biosciences Inc. has announced data on the utility of its Claromer drug discovery platform for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2, and potentially other respiratory viruses, through a series of preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies.
