Intranasal administration of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing human antibody prevents infection in mice

Abstract

Prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the point of nasal entry is a novel strategy that has the potential to help contain the ongoing pandemic. Using our proprietary technologies, we have engineered a human antibody that recognizes SARS-CoV-2 S1 spike protein with an enhanced affinity for mucin to improve the antibody’s retention in respiratory mucosa. The modified antibody, when administered into mouse nostrils, was shown to block infection in mice that were exposed to high titer SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus 10 hours after the initial antibody treatment. Our data show that the protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection is effective in both nasal and lung areas 7 days after viral exposure. The modified antibody is stable in a nasal spray formulation and maintains its SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity. Nasal spray of the modified antibody can be developed as an affordable and effective prophylactic product to protect people from infection by exposure to SARS-CoV-2 virus in the air.One-sentence summaryA Fc-modified human antibody prevents SARS-CoV-2 viral infection via nasal administration

Discovery of a SARS-CoV-2 Broadly-Acting Neutralizing Antibody with Activity against Omicron and Omicron + R346K Variants

“…Our studies of nAb STI-2020 previously demonstrated the protective efficacy of IN-administered antibodies in the context of SARS-CoV-2 preclinical models of pathogenesis 46 . Previous work in preclinical models of respiratory virus pathogenesis support the use of IN-administered IgG and IgA mAbs in prophylactic and therapeutic dosing regimens 24,[47][48][49][50] . In the current report, we described the protective effects of STI-9167 delivered by either the IN or the IV route to animals infected with WA-1 strain, Delta, or Omicron variants.…”

Polyclonal hyper immunoglobulin: A proven treatment and prophylaxis platform for passive immunization to address existing and emerging diseases

“…[212][213][214] This mode of administration may be particularly beneficial for respiratory pathogens, such as COVID-19; direct antibody deposition in the airway would bind to and neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus particles and may enable a higher efficacy with a lower dose in inhibiting infections in the lung. [215][216][217] This technology is being evaluated for antibody therapeutics including monoclonals, [218][219][220][221][222] other modalities (nanobodies, [223][224][225] IgY 226,227 ), and possibly HIGs. 216…”

Can the Nasal Cavity Help Tackle COVID-19?

“…Moreover, neither the nasal cavity nor lung areas showed signs of infection in EU126-M2 antibody-treated mice 7 days after virus dosing. Moreover, EU126-M2 proved to be stable in a nasal spray formulation for up to 2 weeks, at 37 • C. By August 2021, the company is preparing an Investigational New Drug application with the FDA for a clinical trial of the InvisiMask™ [91,92].…”