AstraZeneca secures £33M CEPI funding to develop multi-specific influenza antibody

AstraZeneca has joined forces with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance an innovative antibody technology that could help tackle future infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics swiftly and more affordably.

CEPI will provide up to US$43.5 million (£33.6 million) in funding to support the biopharmaceutical company in evaluating a type of antibody, known as a VHH (Variable Heavy domain of a Heavy chain -only antibody), through preclinical proof-of-concept studies and Phase 1 clinical trials.

The antibody is designed to target four pandemic influenza virus strains—H1, H3, H5, and H7—by binding to multiple parts of the virus, increasing the likelihood of protection.

The multi-specific VHH will also be engineered to offer long-lasting protection against infection.

If proven effective against influenza, they believe the technology could be adapted for a broad range of infectious disease outbreaks.

VHHs, found in animals such as camels, llamas, and some sharks, are easier and cheaper to produce than existing monoclonal antibodies.

They are also relatively stable, even in extreme conditions, making them a promising prospect for outbreak response in areas with limited transport and storage capabilities.

“VHH antibodies, like monoclonal antibodies, have the potential to be highly potent medical countermeasures capable of providing immediate protection against viral diseases,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI.

He expressed optimism that CEPI’s collaboration with AstraZeneca could usher in “a new era of more affordable antibody-based interventions”, helping to protect vulnerable populations from future epidemics or pandemics.

VHH technology is already being explored for chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

This latest CEPI-backed project is among the first to target infectious diseases, aiming to provide protection against multiple influenza strains in a single molecule.

Mark Esser, vice president, early vaccines & immune therapies R&D at AstraZeneca, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with CEPI to develop VHH-based multi-specific antibodies targeting influenza.

“This collaboration demonstrates AstraZeneca's commitment to addressing the impact of infectious diseases and to pushing the boundaries of science to bring innovative medicines to the patients we serve,” he added.

As part of the partnership, AstraZeneca and CEPI have agreed to share any commercial benefits generated from this project.