INCHEON, South Korea--(
BUSINESS WIRE)--Celltrion
Group today announced positive pre-clinical results for its COVID-19
antiviral antibody treatment, with data demonstrating a 100-fold
reduction in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19.
The treatment was also able to show improvement in lung lesions to a
normal activity level in animal models.
The pre-clinical study was conducted in an animal model in collaboration
with one of the Korean National Universities, Chungbuk National
University College of Medicine. The trial set out to assess the efficacy
of two dosage amounts (low and high) for the antiviral antibody
treatment. In comparison to the placebo-controlled group, the research
team observed improved recovery in terms of clinical symptom scores such
as runny nose, cough and body aches, after the first day of treatment.
From the fifth day, significant clinical remission was observed.
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) measurement and
cell culture-based viral diagnosis were used to analyse specimens from
the upper respiratory tract (nasal discharge and nasal turbinate) and
the lungs. The samples from the high-dose group saw the viral load
reduce by 100-fold. Furthermore, lung biopsy showed that both dosage
groups saw inflammation returning to normal lung tissue histopathology
within 6 days as well as a shortened recovery time, whereas the
placebo-controlled group experienced sustained levels of lung
inflammation and complications.
This announcement follows the identification of antibody candidates for
an antiviral treatment which Celltrion completed in April. In response
to these positive results, Celltrion will now conduct additional
efficacy and toxicity testing in pre-clinical settings and anticipates
starting first-in-human clinical trials in July.
“Celltrion is drawing on its expertise, innovation and previous
experience in coronaviruses, such as efforts researching the efficacy of
CT-P38, an investigational antibody to treat Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome (MERS), as well as CT-P27, a multi-antibody drug for influenza
which is being tested in a phase 2b study, to develop a safe and
effective treatment for COVID-19,” said Ki-Sung Kwon, Head of R&D
Unit at Celltrion. “Celltrion is leveraging its advanced technologies to
lead efforts to develop a novel antiviral antibody treatment containing
potent therapeutic antibodies that can neutralise the virus. Celltrion
hopes to commence first-in-human clinical trials in July and has the
capability to roll out mass production of the therapeutic antibody
treatment once it is ready.”