On Friday, May 8th, Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and Mount Sinai Health System agreed to join forces in the investigation and development of an antibody cocktail (COVI-SHIELD™) to
potentially treat COVID-19. Sorrento gained access to plasma from Mount Sinai containing antibodies against COVID-19 for the purpose of identification and production of monoclonal antibodies with potential neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan virus). Essentially Sorrento was looking for antibodies that demonstrate strong inhibition of the virus.
At that time Dr. Henry Ji, Chairman and CEO of Sorrento noted,
“It is our belief that as we re-open the country and the economy, we will see local flare-ups of infectious spread of SARS-CoV-2. Unfortunately, with coronaviruses, mutations are part of the equation and could render therapies ineffective over time. It is our intention to develop a triple antibody prophylactic and therapeutic agent that would shield healthcare workers and at-risk patients. This therapy is designed to be resistant to future virus mutations.”
On Friday, May 15th, Sorrento announced that they had identified an antibody that completely neutralized the Wuhan virus during in vitro testing. Identified as STI-1499, it is expected to be developed as a potential standalone treatment. In addition, it would be part of a cocktail of antibodies to be used against the virus. See the full news release here.
Hat Tip…Mark Wauck
Sorrento will ask for accelerated review from the appropriate regulators. If cleared, this approach is preferable since there should be no side effects. In the interim, Sorrento’s existing state-of-the-art antibody manufacturing facility in San Diego is expected to be able to produce up to two hundred thousand doses per month. The Company intends to produce a million doses while seeking FDA approval for any STI-1499 product candidate.
It will be interesting to see just how quickly this therapy can be tested and, if successful, brought to market.