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Stellabody® technology in infectious disease – COVID-19 and beyond

A lack of preparedness for the emergence of zoonotic coronaviruses led to the health and economic catastrophe caused by SARS-CoV-2. We have generated novel biological drugs which combine an engineered form of the human receptor for the virus with the Fc portion of an antibody to target coronaviruses. Applying Stellabody® technology makes these drugs potent activators of the immune system to prevent and treat COVID-19 and protect against future coronavirus pandemics.

By combining an engineered form of the human receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and the Fc portion of an antibody into one biological drug, and applying Stellabody® technology we can both prevent and treat COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases. We are presently adapting these drugs to be produced for clinical testing.

ACE2-Fc launches a ‘two-pronged’ attack on the virus. Firstly, the ACE2 component protects healthy people because it neutralises the virus and prevents it entering cells where it would otherwise establish infection. Secondly, the Fc component harnesses the body’s normal immune system to kill cells already infected.

This work sets a precedent for the development of new treatments for major pandemic viruses and has broad implications for protection against other major human infections. Importantly, ACE2-Fc will neutralise any coronavirus that utilises ACE2 for entry into cells – including those that arise in the future.

Professor Mark Hogarth

Contact Professor Mark Hogarth for more information about this project.

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Stellabody® technology in infectious disease

Stellabody® technology and mAbs are being directed against different pathogens, particularly malaria and HIV. Antibodies are important to neutralise microbes and the Fc which carries the Stellabody® technology is important for activation of the immune system to pathogens. We are seeking novel targets and new antibodies for a broader range of infections including hospital infection, antibiotic resistant microbes and emerging viruses to which we can apply the Stellabody® technology.

Funding
Partners

  • Medical Research Future Fund
  • The State of Victoria COVID-19 Treatments Medical Research Fund

Partners +
Collaborators

  • Prof Louise Burrell (University of Melbourne)
  • Prof Stephen Kent (University of Melbourne)
  • Dr Amy Chung (University of Melbourne)
  • Dr Adam Wheatley and Prof Dale Godfrey (University of Melbourne)
  • Prof Menno van Zelm (Monash University)
  • Dr Wai-Hong Tham (WEHI)
  • Prof Kanta Subbarao (Doherty Institute)

Project
Team

Meet the project team. Together, we are translating research into better health, for all.