CANTON TWP.—The life sciences regulatory and clinical data consultant MMS Holdings announced it had been retained by Thunder Bay, Ontario-based IGY Life Sciences to further the development of IgY-110, an anti-coronavirus therapeutic antibody, with a focus on a nasal spray application.
Currently in the preclinical stage, the new antibody is being tested at the Canadian Government National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, Manitoba where it will move into preclinical trials soon. The nasal spray therapeutic is intended to treat those currently infected with COVID-19 by controlling and blocking the spread of coronavirus. In addition, while a vaccine is critical for control of the disease, it may not be effective for both elderly and immune compromised individuals.
“We believe that IgY-110 could be ready as early as 2021 to help fight this pandemic,” said Terry Dyck, president and CEO of IGY. “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. Furthermore, IgY-110 has the potential to minimize adverse reactions seen with other antibody treatments that are currently marketed or in development. 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.”
Added Kelly J. Hill, executive director of global business operations and strategy at MMS: “There has never been a more critical time and clear need to speed research decisions through the stages of new therapy development than now. 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.”
In March, MMS announced that 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 United States or other global health authorities.
IGY is a privately held biotechnology company specializing in the development, manufacturing and licensing of immunoglobulin Y (IgY), for use in biologic treatments, nutraceuticals and animal health solutions. More at www.IGYLifeSciences.com.
Canton Township-based MMS is a contract research organization that supports the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries with complex trial data and regulatory submission challenges. More at www.mmsholdings.com.