Israeli scientists developed a potent antibody to attack the coronavirus, which represents a major breakthrough in the fioght against COVID-19.
By Aryeh Savir, TPS
Defense Minister Naftali Bennett visited the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) in Ness Ziona on Monday, where he was presented with a significant breakthrough in the search for an antidote to the coronavirus.
The researchers have developed an antibody that attacks the virus in a unique way and can even neutralize it in a patient’s body.
According to the institute’s researchers, led by IIBR Director-General Professor Shmuel Shapira, the antibody’s development phase is over.
The institute will continue the patent registration process and in the next phase the researchers will contact international companies who can produce the antibody in commercial quantities.
The antibody has not yet been named.
Bennett commented, “I’m proud of the Biological Institute’s people who have made a huge breakthrough. The creativity and Jewish mind have brought this amazing achievement. The entire security system will continue to operate on the frontlines of the battle against the corona.”
Shapira at the end of March spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the institute’s research and development efforts regarding a vaccine and antibodies.
Shapira noted that there has been “significant progress” in planning for a vaccine and added that preparations are now being made ahead of a model for the start of experimentation on animals, a crucial stage before trials on humans are carried out.
The news came as the number of deaths worldwide from the virus topped 252,420 out of over 3,646,000 cases in 212 countries.