WuXi in deal to develop Vir’s antibody against coronavirus

By Vassia Barba

- Last updated on GMT

(Image: Getty/photoguns)
(Image: Getty/photoguns)

Related tags Wuxi Wuxi biologics Antibody Coronavirus

Vir Biotechnology turns to WuXi to support development and commercialization of an antibody-based potential treatment for the coronavirus.

The agreement will see contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), WuXi Biologics, conduct cell-line development, process and formulation development, as well as clinical manufacturing of Vir’s proprietary antibodies.

Upon the potential regulatory approval, the Chinese CDMO will have the rights to commercialize the therapies in Greater China, while Vir will be responsible for marketing the products in all other markets worldwide.

Vir has identified a number of monoclonal antibodies that bind to the virus, which were isolated from patients who had survived a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

The developer is currently conducting research to determine whether these, or additional antibodies that may be identified, can be used as a treatment or prevention against SARS-CoV-2.

George Scangos, CEO of Vir, commented that the partnership occurred due to the importance of moving ‘rapidly’ in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

“In the event that we are in a position to develop an antibody therapy, our agreement with WuXi Biologics enables us to accelerate advancement against this global threat,”​ he added.

WuXi Biologics has followed the wave of response​ that has risen across the industry due to the virus, an outbreak of which was first reported in Wuhan, China.

The Chinese company temporarily shut down operations at a small molecule drug discovery facility in Wuhan, and is looking to US sites to offset capacity​, while it also attempts to conduct its business meetings with clients via video conferences or teleconferences, to prevent them from travelling to China​.

Related topics Bio Developments Bio-Outsourcing

Related news

Show more

Related products

show more

Process optimization for mAb commercial manufacturing

Process optimization for mAb commercial manufacturing

Content provided by Catalent | 01-Jun-2023 | Product Presentation

Process characterization and validation is an important step in the product development journey and late-phase development, and it is required before transferring...

Related suppliers