Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antibodies

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes a highly lethal pulmonary infection with ~35% mortality. Currently there are no prophylactic measures or effective therapies. Inventors at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have identified and developed neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (nMAbs) against the MERS-CoV. This invention describes antibodies that target the Spike (S) glycoprotein on the coronavirus surface, which mediates viral entry into host cells. These novel antibodies target different regions of the S protein, and when administered in combination, reduce the possibility of viral escape. In preclinical testing, these nMAbs have demonstrated potent protective effects, preventing death, viral replication in the lower airways and severe disease in challenge studies with mice. In addition, these nMAbs have potential application for use in assays for detecting MERS-CoV S protein in infected patients or animals.

This technology is available for licensing for commercial development in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 209 and 37 CFR Part 404, as well as for further development and evaluation under a research collaboration.