Inhalable biologics - Project
This GCP project will develop a radically different approach to control influenza. The main aim is to create biologicals with broad-neutralizing capacity that target conserved regions of the virus. These biologicals can be administered through a nebulizer to treat and/or prevent current influenza strains, but should also be useful against future pandemic strains. Additionally, the study also looks into the cost-effectiveness of the proposed biological-based solution, focusing on prophylactic treatment in the elderly.
A nanobody-based solution for influenza
Even though vaccines are useful for the prevention of influenza infections, there is an unmet need to treat infected patients or to prevent infections in patients with a weaker immune system. A nebulized nanobody-based solution can offer protection and can be used as a treatment option.
Nanobodies are generated by immunizing llamas
Parts of the influenza virus are purified and injected into llamas in order to generated nanobodies. Afterwards, the best nanobodies will be selected and optimized for application in humans.
A pan-influenza neutralizing nanobody
The aim is to select a nanobody that can neutralize current influenza strains, but is also effective against pandemic strains that will pop up in the future.
Large-scale production of the nanobody
Once a successful nanobody is identified and validated, it will be produced in a large-scale bioreactor. Large quantities of nanobody are needed for testing in lab animals and -in a later phase- in human participants, which is necessary for drug development.
Lung delivery of the drug
The final goal is to generate an inhalable nanobody solution. By inhalation, the drug is delivered locally to the airways to maximise its effect.