Scinai’s Aerosolized NanoAbs: Promising COVID-19 Prophylactic and Therapeutic, Study Finds
Scinai Immunotherapeutics Ltd. (Nasdaq: SCNI), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in inflammation and immunology (I&I) biological products, has announced the publication of a groundbreaking study in the esteemed scientific journal Antiviral Research. The article, titled “Nanobodies to multiple spike variants and inhalation of nanobody-containing aerosols neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in cell culture and hamsters,” highlights the potential of Scinai’s aerosolized NanoAbs (nanobodies) as a platform for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of hyperinflammatory viral diseases, with a specific focus on SARS-CoV-2.
The research is a result of a collaborative effort between the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (MPI-NAT), the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), and Scinai Immunotherapeutics. The NanoAbs, derived from alpacas and known for their stability and efficacy, were exclusively licensed to Scinai. The study covers various aspects of these NanoAbs, including their structure, mechanism of action, and their ability to neutralize a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the recently identified Omicron variant.
Key findings from the study indicate that the aerosolized NanoAbs effectively reduced virus load, weight loss, and pathogenicity in hamsters even when administered 24 hours after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This suggests a potential role for aerosolized NanoAbs in both the prevention and treatment of coronavirus infections. The article further details the production of NanoAbs in yeast and their formulation into aerosols.
Dr. Tamar Ben-Yedidia, Scinai’s Chief Scientist and co-author of the paper, expressed pride in the publication and emphasized its significance in validating the potential superiority of inhaled NanoAbs over existing therapies. Dr. Ben-Yedidia noted the innate stability of NanoAbs, allowing for more convenient routes of administration, such as inhalation, and highlighted the potential for self-administered treatments and prophylactics as the future of respiratory viral disease pharmaceuticals.
Amir Reichman, CEO of Scinai, commented on the company’s progress and the validation of its innovative science. He mentioned the successful operation of Scinai Bioservices, the company’s CDMO business unit, and its financial support from the Israeli Innovation Authority. Reichman concluded by hinting at the company’s next pipeline project—an anti-IL-17 NanoAb for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
The publication of this study in Antiviral Research reinforces Scinai Immunotherapeutics’ commitment to advancing groundbreaking solutions for respiratory viral diseases, particularly in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The research not only highlights the potential of aerosolized NanoAbs but also positions Scinai as a key player in the development of innovative biologics for various medical applications.
The Antiviral Research paper is available online at [Link to the article]. It is currently undergoing final editing and will soon be updated with the finalized version at the same link.
