New mAbs Neutralizes Omicron Virus Variant

British Columbia-based AbCellera and its collaborators released new preclinical data on January 9, 2022, showing the pseudovirus neutralization status of its two monoclonal antibodies, bamlanivimab, and bebtelovimab, against the Omicron variant.

The data confirmed that the investigational antibody bebtelovimab, currently in Phase 2 clinical trials with Eli Lilly and Company, maintains full and potent neutralization activity against the Omicron variant and all other known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

The data also confirmed that the neutralization activity of bamlanivimab with etesevimab is not effective against the Omicron variant.

However, Lilly has confirmed that bamlanivimab with etesevimab retains neutralization activity against the Delta variant.

Both bamlanivimab and bebtelovimab were co-developed with Lilly, responsible for clinical and commercial development. 

Lilly recently stated that it is in discussion with regulators to understand the potential need for additional therapies, including bebtelovimab.

Separately, the U.S. NIH OpenData Portal reported bebtelovimab displayed positive in vitro therapeutic activity against Omicron as of January 10, 2022.

Additional mAbs news is published on this Precision Vaccinations webpage.