COVID-19 Antibodies a Focus at AstraZeneca

There are currently no specific treatments for COVID-19. Researchers across the world, including AstraZeneca, are investigating preventative approaches and treatment options for COVID-19, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and antivirals, as well as investigating the repurposing of existing drugs to treat the infection. At AstraZeneca, over 50 virology, protein engineering, clinical and bioprocess experts are working on COVID-19 using proprietary antibody discovery technology developed under an agreement with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as part of the Pandemic Preparedness Platform program.

A vaccine is a prophylaxis, or preventative, approach against disease. Vaccines require an immunization and a healthy immune system. They have the potential to provide long-term protection against the virus, though it is estimated that it could take at least a year before a vaccine against COVID-19 is approved.

Monoclonal antibodies synthesized in the laboratory mimic natural antibodies. It is hoped that an antibody-based treatment could neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 illness and thus, in theory, be given as a preventative option for those exposed to the virus, as well as treat and prevent disease progression in patients already infected. An antibody-based treatment has the potential to provide immediate effect in the patient.

AstraZeneca scientists are exploring three potential sources for antibodies against the SARS CoV-2 virus – patients who have recovered from COVID-19, immunized humanized mice and laboratory techniques such as phage display. The spike protein on the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the primary target being explored for potential COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies. The aim is that by targeting the spike protein, the antibody will be able to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus and affect its capacity to infect healthy cells.

AstraZeneca is harnessing its proprietary immune replica technology, developed as part of the abovementioned agreement with DARPA, which can capture and screen antibodies from millions of primary B cells. The company is also utilizing hybridoma technology, which is a method for producing large numbers of monoclonal antibodies through a culture of hybrid cells that results from the fusion of B cells and immortal myeloma cells.

Once identified, the monoclonal antibodies are screened against their ability to bind to the spike protein before further developability tests are carried out. AstraZeneca is aiming for clinical evaluation in the next 3 to 5 months. (Source: AstraZeneca Website, 08April, 2020)