IAVI, Merck, SII Join Forces to Develop Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19

Pune: Serum Institute of India and not-for-profit scientific research organisation IAVI have joined hands with science and technology company Merck to develop SARS-CoV-2 neutralising monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

The agreement builds on the advanced antibody discovery and optimization expertise of IAVI and Scripps Research, gained from years of experience in HIV broadly neutralizing antibody research and development, and on Merck’s and Serum Institute’s significant capabilities in design and scale up of accelerated manufacturing processes for mAb production, SII said in a statement.

The global development plan is being led by the three organizations in partnership.

The two companies have broad networks across complementary geographic areas that will be crucial to reach given the worldwide spread of COVID-19. If the highly potent and broadly cross-reactive SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody candidates being advanced through this partnership are shown to be efficacious in clinical trials, either as a single antibody or a potential combination of both candidates, Merck will lead commercialization in developed countries.

Serum Institute will lead global manufacturing as well as commercialization in low- and middle-low-income countries, including India.

“We’re acutely aware of the tremendous potential for monoclonal antibodies to be used in Covid-19 response. By combining the scientific achievements of IAVI and Scripps Research with our partners’ development, manufacturing, and distribution expertise, we are hopeful that this partnership will result in globally accessible antibodies that are available to all, who can benefit from them,” said Mark Feinberg, president and chief executive officer (CEO), IAVI, in a statement.

Belén Garijo, vice-chairman, executive board and deputy CEO, Merck, said, “Together with IAVI and SII, we look forward to demonstrating the potential application of these monoclonal antibodies in the management of Covid-19. We share a common purpose to accelerate this promising science and deliver effective solutions that address global challenges presented by this pandemic.”

Neutralising mAbs against SARS-CoV-2 are widely considered to be promising candidates for Covid-19 treatment and prevention.

“Given the breadth and scale of our technology and our long-standing devotion to improving health especially in low-income countries, I am confident that we and our partners are on a productive path that will lead to a much-needed, globally available tool for Covid-19 treatment and possibly prevention,” said Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII.

Encouraging results for COVID-19 antibody treatment have emerged from preclinical research and also initial clinical trials.

The Serum Institute has a proven track record of more than 50 years in developing affordable medicines and it is the world’s largest producer of vaccines. Serum Institute will lead global manufacturing as well as commercialisation in low and middle-low-income countries, including India.