FUSION ANTIBODIES PARTNERS WITH QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY TO TACKLE COVID-19 

18 April 2020

Fusion Antibodies, pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply experts, has established a 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, 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.

Fusion Antibodies CEO Paul Kerr, a double graduate of Queen's - PhD (2002), BSc (1995) - 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 at Queen’s 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 at Queen’s 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.

Established in 2001 as a spin-out from Queen’s University Belfast, Fusion Antibodies specialises in pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply to help bring about a positive change in the healthcare industry.

A contract research organisation which has worked with Queen’s on multiple Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) initiatives, Fusion provides a range of antibody engineering services for the development of antibodies for therapeutic drug and diagnostic applications.

The latest Queen's COVID-19 focused initiative, find out more about the University's work in response to the coronavirus by visiting: https://www.qub.ac.uk/coronavirus/. To support the University’s in its efforts to tackle the pandemic, click here.

For media enquiries about this story please contact Jennifer Lynott, Marketing Director at Fusion Antibodies plc.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Queen’s Development and Alumni Relations Office will endeavour to remain in contact with graduates and donors, and to promote online networking initiatives, to keep alumni and supporters connected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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