SARS-CoV-2
Affinity has discovered a potential therapy for COVID-19.
How it works
Affinity’s antibodies bind onto the spike protein, preventing it from binding to and infecting human cells.
SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The spike protein
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is responsible for uptake into human cells.
Neutralizing the virus
Affinity's antibodies neutralize the virus by blocking the spike protein
This may have a profound effect on this pandemic by preventing the virus from gaining a foothold in healthy people exposed to the virus, such as healthcare workers and the close associates of those infected. These antibodies may also be useful in dampening the progress of the virus in an infected person by blocking its ability to infect new cells and replicate.
Rapid antibody discovery
Affinity’s discovery of novel human antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 showcases the ultra-fast speed and exactitude of our ReD platform to discover high-affinity novel antibodies against difficult targets.
Affinity is collaborating with a number of internationally renowned academics and institutes in order to move this program forward as rapidly as possible.
Why it may be the most effective COVID-19 treatment
Low cost manufacturing
The ReD process selects for high-expression clones in industry workhorse: E. coli. As such, all ReD antibodies can be produced at low cost on nation-scale quantities to meet the demands of the current pandemic.
High affinity antibodies
The ReD process selects for antibodies of high affinity. We predict this will minimize the required dose for prophylaxis.
Our anti-COVID-19 antibodies have very low pM affinities – driven by extremely slow off-rates.
Technical information, including Kinetics Data here.
Passive immunity
Affinity's antibodies simply block the virus from binding to and infecting human cells. Our antibodies are not pro-inflammatory, whereas inflammation caused by an ‘active’ immune response is one of the key health risks in infected patients.
Next steps
Affinity will now pursue the shortest pathway to worldwide release of a therapy by seeking:
- scaling up and manufacturing material for studies;
- safety and efficacy testing;
- identification of expedited development paths with regulatory agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and TGA;
- discussions with industry partners for accelerated development and commercial distribution.
Partner with us on COVID-19
If your business is interested in exploring participation with Affinity’s COVID-19 therapy, please contact us.