CHUV and EPFL have discovered a new monoclonal antibody that neutralizes Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. This work, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, opens the way to new prophylactic and therapeutic applications.
This new antibody confers complete protection in monkeys when used prophylactically, and also demonstrates high therapeutic efficacy, the Center hospitalier universitaire vaudois (CHUV) said in a press release.
This discovery opens up prospects for use as a drug intended to protect people at risk, in particular immunocompromised.
All variants
The antibody, called P2G3, was isolated from a previously infected donor and vaccinated twice. It shows very potent neutralizing activity against all SARS-COV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron’s.
By binding to a specific region of the Spike protein, P2G3 can prevent the virus from binding to the ACE2 receptor present on cells targeted for infection. Moreover, by binding to this site, P2G3 avoids mutations in all variants, unlike almost all anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies authorized or in advanced stages of clinical evaluation.
This research was performed before the emergence of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants of Omicron. However, recent data indicate that the P2G3 antibody maintains its neutralizing activity. Clinical trials starting in August 2022 should confirm this.