As we search for treatments for COVID-19, we (humans) now have some help from animals, thanks to innovative BIO member SAB Biotherapeutics. Today, Agri-Pulse dives a little deeper into how biotech cows might help us diagnose AND treat the coronavirus.
What they’re doing: SAB Biotherapeutics has genetically engineered cows to produce human antibodies to help fight diseases like MERS and the new coronavirus.
How it works: “SAB injects cows with a noninfectious part of the virus, causing them to produce fully human antibodies ‘that will actually neutralize and bind to the live virus,’” reports Agri-Pulse.
How it’s unique: “SAB’s antibodies are different because they are polyclonal, which is the natural immune response to disease, making them less likely to become resistant.”
And now, they’re working on therapeutics AND diagnostics. SAB is able to “generate both reagent antibodies for diagnostics and large volumes for therapeutic treatment both specifically targeted to SARS-CoV-2,” SAB’s SVP of Corporate Communications Melissa Ullerich told Good Day BIO.
From breakthroughs in health and agriculture and the environment, the COVID-19 outbreak is demonstrating the vast potential of biotechnology to address challenges across sectors—and the need to support the work of small, innovative biotechs researching creative solutions.
Masters Message: When something bad happens, you see the eyes of the world look to U.S.-based biotechnology. They look to us for answers. Because of that, it’s a chance for Americans to actually see the amazing things that are going on in our labs. American biotech can help lead us out of this crisis—but it’s important for the government to establish science-based regulations that allow breakthrough biotech work to be realized. – Rich Masters, BIO’s EVP for Public Affairs. Follow Rich on Twitter (@RichMasters) for more insights.
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