MMS Holdings in Canton Township is collaborating with Ontario’s IGY Life Sciences to further development of IgY (immunoglobulin Y)-110, an anti-CoV-2 therapeutic antibody with a focus on a nasal spray application. It will be designed to complement a COVID-19 vaccine.
Currently in the preclinical stage, the new antibody is being tested at the Canadian Government National Microbiology Lab in Manitoba, Canada, where it will move into preclinical trials. The nasal spray is intended to treat those who are infected with COVID-19 by controlling and blocking its spread.
“We believe that IgY-110 could be ready as early as 2021 to help fight this pandemic,” says Terry Dyck, president and CEO of IGY Life Sciences. “Shelf stable and with GRAS status (generally recognized as safe), IgY antibodies are a natural choice for long-term pandemic preparedness and will be ready for the next wave of coronavirus, whenever it strikes…
“Our second aim is to ensure the targeted antibody will be cross-protective towards other forms of coronavirus, ensuring the antibody can be effective as a pandemic preparedness tool, and minimize the economic burden.”
In March, MMS announced it is offering a $1 million award toward the development of a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. The award is being offered in the form of data and related services to qualified pharmaceutical and clinical research companies supporting commercial development of a vaccine or treatment for approval in the U.S. or other global health authorities.
“There has never been a more critical time and clear need to speed research decisions through the stages of new therapy development than now,” says Kelly J. Hill, executive director of global business operations and strategy at MMS. “Our regulatory and data-focused team is honored to positively contribute during this time. We are grateful to IGY Life Sciences for thinking critically, and in this case creatively, to find a new approach to treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
MMS is a contract research organization that supports the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries with trial data and regulatory submission challenges.
IGY Immune Technologies and Life Sciences is a privately held biotechnology company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and licensing of IgY for use in biologic treatments, nutraceuticals, and animal health solutions.
