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Pharmaceutical industry

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and BARDA Collaborate on Ebola Antibody Therapy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, in partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), has announced an agreement to develop, test, and manufacture a monoclonal antibody therapy for the treatment of Ebola virus infection. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will provide initial funding of approximately $17 million to support preclinical development and antibody manufacturing. This collaboration leverages Regeneron's proprietary technologies, VelociGene and VelocImmune, which enable the rapid identification and validation of fully human monoclonal antibodies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Regeneron has developed a novel antibody therapy "cocktail" consisting of three antibodies using its proprietary VelociGene and VelocImmune technologies.
  • The company has conducted pre-clinical studies in animal models of Ebola virus infection and has discovered and developed the antibodies under a 2009 agreement with Sanofi.
  • Regeneron's technology allows for the rapid identification and scale-up of investigational antibody therapy, promising better treatments in shorter timeframes.
  • The collaboration has the potential to address other emerging infectious diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
  • Regeneron's Executive Vice President of Research and Development, Neil Stahl, Ph.D., highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that "every day counts for people who are infected or at risk."
  • The agreement provides options for further funding, including an additional $21 million for a Phase 1 study in healthy volunteers, planned for January 2016.

Statistics:

  • Initial funding provided by HHS: $17 million
  • Options for additional funding: $21 million
  • Planned Phase 1 study: January 2016
  • Number of antibodies in the therapy cocktail: 3

Sources:

  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, "Regeneron and BIOTEC (Thai subsidiary of Siemens) Partner with the University of Louvain to Develop New Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria Vaccine Candidate"
  • Copyright 2014 Contify.com (for the original source of the provided text)

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