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A research team at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in the US has isolated a small biological molecule that could completely neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.
The researchers noted that the discovered antibody component was ten times smaller compared to a full-size antibody, used to create a drug called Ab8 to potentially treat and prevent Covid-19.
In mice and hamsters, Ab8 was shown to be effective in preventing and treating disease; the journal Cell published the findings.
According to the researchers, the small size of the molecule increases its potential for diffusion in tissues to better neutralize the virus that causes Covid-19, as well as allowing alternative routes of administration, such as inhalation.
Also, the antibody component does not bind to human cells and therefore may not have negative side effects.
The researchers who collaborated to test Ab8 came from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) and the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, along with the University of British Columbia and the University of Saskatchewan.
The Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, John Mellors, said: “Ab8 not only has potential as a therapy for Covid-19, but it could also be used to prevent people from contracting infections by SARS-CoV-2.
“Larger antibodies have worked against other infectious diseases and have been well tolerated, giving us hope that it could be an effective treatment for Covid-19 patients and for the protection of those who have never had the infection. and they are not immune. ”
The antibody component consists of a variable heavy chain (VH) domain of an immunoglobulin, a type of antibody present in blood. It was identified by analyzing more than 100 billion potential candidates.
Ab8, built by fusing the VH domain with part of the tail region of the immunoglobulin, incorporates the immune functions of a full-size antibody.
The company Abound Bio, supported by UPMC, obtained the license of Ab8 for its development worldwide.
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