AstraZeneca strikes licensing deal with RQ Bio for SARS-CoV-2 targeting mAbs

AstraZeneca has signed a licensing deal with RQ Biotechnology (RQ Bio) to gain access to a portfolio of early-stage monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeted against Covid-19 causing SARS-CoV-2 virus.

As per the terms, AstraZeneca has acquired an exclusive global licence for developing, manufacturing, and commercializing mAbs against SARS-CoV-2.

Iskra Reic — AstraZeneca Vaccines and Immune Therapies Executive Vice President said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape for immune therapies, including the use of monoclonal antibodies to protect vulnerable patients who can’t respond adequately to vaccination alone.

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“Scientific innovation is rapidly accelerating, and this agreement reflects our continued commitment to the discovery and development of new medicines to help prevent and treat infectious disease, including COVID-19.”

AstraZeneca strikes licensing deal with RQ Biotechnology for SARS-CoV-2 targeting monoclonal antibodies
AstraZeneca strikes licensing deal with RQ Biotechnology for SARS-CoV-2 targeting monoclonal antibodies. Photo courtesy of AstraZeneca.

Based in the UK, RQ Biotechnology is focused on developing treatments and preventative therapies, which are based on potent broad-spectrum mAbs for addressing areas of unmet need in vulnerable patient populations.

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