Ultrapotent SARS coronavirus-neutralizing single-domain antibodies that bind a conserved membrane proximal epitope of the spike
Currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants have gained complete or significant resistance to all SARSCoV-2-neutralizing antibodies that have been used in the clinic. Such antibodies can prevent severe disease in SARS-CoV-2 exposed patients for whom vaccines may not provide optimal protection. Here, we describe single-domain antibodies (VHHs), also known as nanobodies, that can broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 with unusually high potency. Structural analysis revealed their binding to a unique, highly conserved, membrane proximal, quaternary epitope in the S2 subunit of the spike. Furthermore, a VHH-human IgG1 Fc fusion, efficiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells as a stable antibody construct, protected hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 replication in a therapeutic setting when administered systemically at low dose. This VHH-based antibody represents a new candidate anti-COVID-19 biologic that targets the Achilles heel of the viral spike.
Bio€quity Europe— May 12-14, 2023 – Dublin, Ireland
Excited to be a part of the Presenting Company Class of 2023 at BioEquity: Europe 2023!
ExeVir Bio and VIB Announce Data on a New Therapy for Prevention and Treatment for COVID-19
ExeVir Bio and VIB-UGent’s bioRxiv pre-print reports on S2-binding camelid single-domain antibody-based drug, XVR013, that targets the Achilles’ heel in the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike
Focus on protecting the millions of immuno-compromised patients, who are most vulnerable to COVID-19