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.

“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. 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.