Inhalon Biopharma Broadens Therapeutic Horizons via Licensing of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) Antibodies from the University of Georgia
Thursday, November 02, 2023
Inhalon Biopharma, a clinical-stage company specializing in the development of an innovative inhaled antibody platform for the treatment of acute respiratory infections (ARI), has recently entered into a licensing agreement with the University of Georgia. This agreement grants Inhalon Biopharma the rights to a selection of antibodies designed to combat Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). Inhalon Biopharma intends to identify promising antibody candidates from this panel for further development in clinical trials aimed at treating hMPV.
Inhalon Biopharma's CEO, John Whelan, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "This agreement allows us to continue expanding our portfolio of potential treatments for acute respiratory infections using our groundbreaking platform. Our team is dedicated to building upon our successful clinical efforts in combating COVID-19 and extending our antibody therapies to address various respiratory infections, including RSV, influenza, and hMPV."
Human metapneumovirus is an acute respiratory infection characterized by symptoms such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and breathlessness. It is responsible for more than one million clinical visits, 260,000 pediatric emergency department visits, and 20,000 hospitalizations annually in the United States. This virus is most prevalent during the winter and spring seasons and is typically transmitted through actions like coughing, sneezing, close contact with infected individuals, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Much like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), hMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and poses the greatest threat to young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Clinical symptoms of hMPV infection can potentially progress to conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia, similar to other viruses causing upper and lower respiratory infections.
Center for Vaccines and Immunology within the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia, who led the development of these antibodies, expressed his satisfaction, saying, "It's truly gratifying to see Inhalon working to advance treatment for patients with hMPV. I am hopeful that our work can one day alleviate the burden of disease for individuals affected by hMPV."
Source: businesswire.com
