Crucell Announces Excellent Results for Influenza Antibody
Crucell N.V. announced that its monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against a broad range of influenza virus strains has strongly outperformed the most current anti-influenza drug in preclinical tests. The latest results were presented by Dr Jaap Goudsmit, at IBC's 19th Annual International Conference on Antibody Engineering in San Diego, USA. The preclinical study compared Crucell's mAb CR6261 with the anti-influenza drug oseltamivir in terms of their value for flu prevention and treatment.
The flu strains tested included the 'bird flu' strain H5N1. Dr Goudsmit presented data showing that the mAb CR6261 was 100% successful in preventing infection with H5N1. When given after H5N1 infection, Crucell's mAb demonstrated the ability to prevent death and cure disease in all cases. The mAb also performed significantly better for the prevention and treatment of H1N1 infection, illustrating the potential use for seasonal applications as well.
The study showed that CR6261 provides immediate protection against the influenza virus, suggesting that it will be able to prevent disease spread. In contrast, oseltamivir was less efficacious and in some cases not effective at all. The advantages of the mAb over oseltamivir may also be important for protecting or treating people at risk of severe illness or death due to seasonal flu. These include the elderly and immune-suppressed individuals.
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