Equine polyclonal antibodies have shown higher potency in in-vitro studies of SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralisation

Bharat Serums and Vaccines has initiated a research project to co-develop an equine polyclonal antibody, alongwith NIV, against COVID-19. The company is planning to get sufficient clinical data for regulatory submission of the equine antibody in the first half of 2021. Dr Jaby Jacob, Head-R&D, Bharat Serums and Vaccines talks about this research project and the company’s other ongoing research activities with Usha Sharma

Tell us about the ongoing research activities of Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV).

BSV is engaged in research projects that span multiple modalities such as recombinant proteins including monoclonal antibodies, urine-based proteins, complex drug delivery systems such as liposomal products and microspheres, and equine serum-based products.

When did you initiate the research project of developing an equine antibody and how many equines have been enrolled for the research?

Initial feasibility assessment of this research project was done in March of this year and BSV had initiated communications with the ICMR and other regulatory agencies in India to explore the possibility of co-development, fast-tracking some of the approvals that are required for initiating R&D activities, review and approval processes for pre-clinical and clinical development, etc. Development activities for the project, including procurement of antigens required for immunisation of