A neutralizing, Fc-modified antibody for treatment of Covid-19

Antibody binding sequences are generated using an antibody phage library at the Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig. These sequences are tested for binding to the receptor binding domain of the viral spike protein and for virus neutralizing capacity in vitro. A lead candidate will then be equipped with a silenced human Fc part in cooperation with the Section of Experimental Antibody Therapy, Department of Immunology, Tuebingen University. This measure will avoid antibody dependent enhancing (ADE) effects that may be responsible for SARS-CoV-2 mediated lung injury. After initial toxicology studies in Collaboration with Bayer, Leverkusen a rapid production approach, will be conducted by Fraunhofer ITEM, Braunschweig to obtain material for a first-in-man study. After approval by the regulatory authority (PEI) the study will be supported and performed by the ZKS of the MHH Hannover and the Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen.