Korea's Celltrion develops of broad spectrum human MAb against major flu viruses (H1N1 and H5N1)

South Korean biopharmaceutical firm Celltrion says it has developed novel human monoclonal antibodies against influenza virus infection, which neutralize a broad spectrum of influenza viruses, including pandemic H1N1 and the deadly H5N1 avian influenza virus. Preliminary tests in laboratory animals indicate that the novel human monoclonal antibodies can be used to prevent disease when given either before or after infection.

The discovery is the result of an international collaboration among the US CDC Influenza Division, the Severance Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital in Korea, SC World in Japan and Celltrion.

Celltrion's monoclonal antibodies were evaluated by in vitro microneutralization assays and in vivo animal studies using seasonal or pandemic H1, pandemic H2, and endemic H5 virus subtypes. In preclinical testing, Celltrion monoclonals were more efficacious than similar antibody candidates reported previously.