Celltrion Confirms Rekkirona Efficacy Against Brazil 'Gamma' Variant in Animal Tests

"Delta Variant Animal Efficacy Test Results Expected to Be Secured Within This Month"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] Celltrion announced on the 5th that it has confirmed the efficacy of its COVID-19 antibody treatment, Regkirona, against the Brazilian 'Gamma' variant virus (P.2) through animal efficacy tests.

Celltrion administered Regkirona to 55 experimental mice infected with the Brazilian 'Gamma' variant of COVID-19. As a result, compared to the control group that did not receive the drug, a significant reduction in viral titer and clinical improvement effects such as prevention of weight loss were confirmed.

In particular, even when administered at doses lower than the human therapeutic dose, the virus elimination efficacy was proven, and the survival rate of the experimental mice was 100% in the Regkirona-treated group, whereas it was 0% in the control group.

The company explained that this is a consistent result that aligns with previous tests conducted on ferrets and experimental mice against the South African 'Beta' variant. Although the neutralizing ability at the cellular level decreases for the Beta and Gamma variants, it is significant that sufficient therapeutic efficacy is demonstrated in vivo even at doses 16 times lower than those used in clinical settings.

Celltrion plans to continue conducting cellular-level neutralization and animal efficacy tests of Regkirona against various variant viruses in collaboration with reputable domestic and international institutions. It also aims to secure animal efficacy test results for the currently ongoing Indian 'Delta' variant within this month.

Regkirona has already been confirmed to have strong neutralizing ability at the cellular level against six initial variants (S, L, V, G, GH, GR), as well as the UK (B.1.1.7), India (B.1.167), California (B.1.427·429), Nigeria (B.1.525), New York (B.1.526), and Brazil (P.1) variants.

A Celltrion official stated, "The therapeutic effects of Regkirona against various variant viruses are being continuously proven through animal tests," and added, "We are also expecting positive animal test results for the recently concerning 'Delta' variant."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.