New Anti-Influenza Virus Neuraminidase 9 (N9) Monoclonal Antibody – for Prevention or Treatment of H7N9 Influenza (Flu) A with Less Likelihood of Drug Resistance

H7N9 influenza viruses are predominately avian (bird) pathogens, however, since 2013, they have infected more than 1500 humans with a mortality rate of nearly 40% in confirmed cases. H7N9 viruses continue to be a threat to public health. Treatment for people infected with H7N9-subtype influenza A (H7N9) commonly includes the use of drugs that inhibit neuraminidase, a protein found on the virus’ surface. However, like other influenza viruses, H7N9 can become resistant to these drugs.

CDC researchers have developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the neuraminidase protein of H7N9 influenza viruses, and has been shown in animal studies to provide protection from H7N9 infection. Because this antibody targets a different region of the neuraminidase protein than other antibodies, it is unlikely that H7N9 strains have developed resistance to it, making it an ideal starting point for antibody-based therapy or prevention of H7N9 infection. This technology could be used alone, or in combination with other neuraminidase inhibitor drugs. The antibody can also be useful as a research material. It will need to be humanized in further research.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Prevention of H7N9 influenza (flu) infection Treatment of H7N9 influenza (flu) infection Research tool and diagnostic reagent		Unlikely for virus to develop resistance due to unique binding site of antibody Can be used for prevention or treatment Currently available mAbs are not reactive with the N9 influenza subtype Can be used alone or in combination with other drugs

Inventors:

Jason Wilson (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Ian York (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

James Stevens (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Zhu Guo (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 62/365,264
Patent protection is not being pursued for this technology.

Publications:
Wilson JR., et al. PMID 28888111
Wilson JR., et al. PMID 27713074

Collaboration Opportunity:
The CDC Technology Transfer Office (TTO) is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize: New Anti-Influenza Virus Neuraminidase 9 (N9) Monoclonal Antibody – for Prevention or Treatment of H7N9 Influenza (Flu) A with Less Likelihood of Drug Resistance. For collaboration opportunities, please contact CDC TTO at tto@cdc.govor 1-404-639-1330.


Licensing Contact:
Karen Surabian, J.D., M.B.A.
Email: karen.surabian@nih.gov
Phone: 301-594-9719

OTT Reference No: E-200-2016-0
Updated: Jun 20, 2018