Turkish scientists develop antibodies for Covid drug

Turkish scientists develop antibodies for Covid drug

Published January 04,2024


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In collaboration with China, lecturers from Kocaeli University (KOÜ) in Türkiye have pioneered the event of antibodies for drug manufacturing, geared toward treating the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).

Within the framework of the “Development of Broadly Effective New Anti-Corona Virus Strategies Project,” accepted in 2020 as a part of the bilateral cooperation program between the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) and the National Natural Research Foundation of China (NSFC), the mission coordinator Prof. Dr. Aynur Karadenizli, together with school members Prof. Dr. Murat Kasap, Prof. Dr. Gürler Akpınar, and doctoral school members Hüseyin Uzuner and Emel Azak, carried out the analysis.

In the Turkish section of the mission, researchers generated the antibody part of the protein-targeted drug molecule inside the Antibody Production Unit and Proteomics Unit of the Molecular Research and Antibody Laboratory at KOÜ Faculty of Medicine.

The analysis revealed that two molecules related to the developed antibody demonstrated efficacy in opposition to SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19, in addition to seasonal coronaviruses.

The researchers recognized two extremely efficient antibodies, which have been subsequently despatched to their mission collaborators at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. Following additional investigations carried out there, a world patent utility for the molecule was submitted.

“IT IS AIMED TO PREVENT THE VIRUS FROM ENTRYING TO THE CELL AND TO ELIMINATE IT OUTSIDE THE CELL”


Professor Dr. Karadenizli knowledgeable the AA correspondent that within the worldwide mission carried out inside the framework of the bilateral cooperation between TÜBİTAK and NSFC, their aim was twofold: to stop SARS-CoV-2 from getting into respiratory system cells and to remove it exterior the cell.

Karadenizli emphasised that, as Turkish companions, their preliminary focus within the mission accredited in November 2020 was on producing antibodies. She highlighted the profitable manufacturing of two antibodies of their laboratories, significantly concentrating on one of many non-structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Explaining the choice course of for the antibodies obtained, Karadenizli stated: “We conducted studies on the affinity (relationship between antibody and antigen) and avidity (binding strength between antibody and complex antigen) of the antibodies. Subsequently, we sent two antibodies, chosen from among others, to the partner laboratory in China for this collaborative project. Our collaboration involves a division of tasks, where they handle certain aspects, and we address others. For instance, in the mechanism aimed at preventing the virus within the cell, they initially scanned 12 molecules from numerous options. These molecules were then sent to us for further analysis. We assessed their impact on viruses, examining not only SARS-CoV-2 but also seasonal coronaviruses, ultimately identifying two effective molecules.”

“The production of the molecule intended for treatment, known as the ‘PROTAC molecule,’ incorporating the antibodies we have developed, is now underway. In promising developments, a patent application has been submitted for the two molecules we previously identified as effective against the virus. Preliminary preparations for this milestone have been successfully completed. We have formulated a drug or product designed for use in situations where contact with a Covid-19 patient is deemed risky. This innovation is poised to be employed in the treatment of individuals infected with the virus, addressing symptoms such as headaches, upper respiratory tract infections, and muscle aches.” Karadenizli added.

Emphasizing that the drug molecule is not going to be used as a vaccination in individuals who haven’t any complaints or dangers, Karadenizli stated: “There remains to be a danger in sufferers over a sure age. Even if it isn’t a big section of the society, there may be nonetheless a danger in people who find themselves severely overweight and obese.”

Source: www.anews.com.tr