QUADRAT

Fusion Antibodies, pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply experts, have established a new research alliance with Queen’s to seek new therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to help in the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Northern Ireland Coronavirus Antibody Development Alliance (NICADA) aims to develop new therapeutic molecules that can be evaluated for their ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease.

Working with Professor Ultan Power in the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute of Experimental Medicine, Professor Chris Scott in The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research and Dr Fuquan Lui in the School of Biological Sciences, at Queen’s University, Fusion Antibodies will prepare potential antibodies and engineer them specifically to neutralise the virus.

There is a shortage of key reagents for testing globally and although not a core service currently offered by the company, Fusion Antibodies will be using their expertise to develop key reagents that can be employed in the global challenge of COVID-19 testing.

Paul Kerr, CEO, Fusion Antibodies said:

“We are delighted to be able to assist in the global battle against Coronavirus. In the first instance we’ll work with Queen’s University Belfast to provide the key reagent which will be used for testing. Our expertise is focused on antibody development and we’ve already begun the process of engineering antibodies against COVID-19 using our advanced technology platforms.”

Professor Chris Scott, Director of the Patrick G Johnston Cancer Centre, Queen’s University Belfast,  said

“By bringing together diverse researchers from virology, biological sciences and cancer research we are rapidly contributing to the development of new reagents that could not only neutralize the virus, but also aid diagnostic efforts; both of which are needed to inform decisions on lifting the current lockdown. We are delighted to initiate this alliance with Fusion Antibodies and to direct our research capabilities towards tackling this global pandemic”.

Ultan Power, Professor of Molecular Virology, Queen’s University Belfast said:

“The NICADA alliance provides an excellent opportunity to generate novel therapeutics and diagnostics to help the global fight against SARS-CoV-2.”

The NICADA alliance is actively harnessing the best scientific talent to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic.

For more information about Queen’s work in response to the coronavirus, visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/coronavirus/

About Fusion Antibodies

Fusion Antibodies delivers new technology and innovation throughout early-stage antibody discovery. As a drug discovery and research partner, our scientists increase the pace to the clinic by guiding clients to develop the best antibodies possible. Through the early stages of drug discovery, we enable biotechnology and pharmaceutical organisations towards their end-goal – the provision of treatments that improve the lives of patients throughout the world.

Fusion Antibodies expertise is defined by our experience. Our tailored consultancy begins with the end in mind, helping clients solve complex problems.  Our approach to projects considers long-term impacts on safety, efficacy and manufacturability at all stages. As an independent team, we maximise resources by offering the flexibility and agility that antibody discovery and development programmes require. This approach de-risks your programme and maximises success of your molecule to the next stage.

Notes for Editors