Sars Coronavirus-2 Spike Protein Binding Compounds

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to protein binding compounds—such as antibodies, nanobodies (VHH), and similar molecules—designed specifically to bind the spike (S) protein of coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. These compounds work by inducing or stabilizing a particular three-dimensional conformation of the spike protein (the 'up-conformation' of the receptor binding domain) that blocks or disrupts the virus’s ability to enter host cells. The patent covers these binding compounds, methods of making them, and their use for treating, preventing, diagnosing, and researching coronavirus infections.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Development of antiviral therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
• Prophylactic treatment for individuals at high risk of coronavirus infection.
• Therapeutics in immunocompromised patients who cannot receive standard vaccines.
• Rapid-acting treatments immediately after viral exposure.
• Diagnostic assays for detecting and monitoring coronavirus or spike protein present in samples.
• Patient stratification to identify individuals most likely to benefit from specific virus-neutralizing therapies.
• Research tools for studying coronavirus entry mechanisms and for screening new spike-targeting drugs.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides highly specific neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses by targeting conserved epitopes on the spike protein.
• Demonstrates high affinity and potency, including in vivo protective effects in animal models.
• Permits the development of multi-specific or biparatopic antibodies, reducing the risk of viral escape mutations.
• Allows for scalable and cost-effective production using bacterial or other expression systems, especially with nanobodies (VHH).
• Amenable to various delivery routes, including inhalation therapy, which is useful for respiratory pathogens.
• Can be used rapidly for post-exposure prophylaxis and immediate protection, unlike vaccines that require time to elicit an immune response.
• May be adapted as diagnostic reagents for clinical or research use, enabling specific detection of spike protein or viral presence.
• Possibility to combine multiple binding domains or use engineered constructs to further enhance efficacy and reduce the risk of resistance.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention pertains to protein binding compounds, such as antibodies and antibody like compounds, specifically targeting epitopes of the Corona virus spike (S) protein which were found to stabilize a three-dimensional conformation of the protein which reduces or inhibits the viral mechanisms necessary for host cell entry. The invention provides the protein binding compounds alone and in combination and multispecific constructs, as well as their use in the prevention, treatment, patient stratification and diagnosis of viral infections caused by a corona virus such as severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS CoV2).