ASK: Supporting the immunocompromised

Partners sought to advance neutralising antibody

Proteona Pte. Ltd. seeks partners to be part of an international alliance developing broadly neutralising antibodies against coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

The alliance is working with clinicians to treat blood cancer patients who are at greater risk of developing complications from COVID-19 due to weakened defence systems and existing co-morbidities. While vaccines are being developed, immuno-compromised individuals, such as those with cancer, are not candidates to receive a vaccine as their immune systems are not capable of forming the necessary protective response. Therefore, alternative treatments such as neutralising antibodies are badly needed. With three major coronavirus outbreaks in the last 17 years, Proteona aims to develop a broadly neutralising antibody that can support during and beyond the COVID-19 outbreak.

The group is actively seeking additional partners to join forces to achieve this aim, from virologists with SARS experience, to Antibody Production Facilities and Cancer Funding Organisations.