Evotec SE has announced today that its Seattle subsidiary, Just – Evotec Biologics, has been selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority's (BARDA) BioMaP Consortium to optimise manufacturing of a monoclonal antibody cocktail targeting Ebola virus (EBOV) and Sudan virus (SUDV).
The multi-year programme award, which could be worth up to $10m if all options are activated, aims to support BARDA's efforts in enhancing national preparedness.
This funding will help develop cost-effective medical countermeasures to improve the US government's response capabilities in treating filovirus diseases.
The agreement includes a base period and two optional extension periods.
While there are currently two FDA-approved therapeutics available for Ebola Virus Disease, there are no approved treatments for infections caused by the Sudan virus (SUDV).
Dr Linda Zuckerman, EVP Global Head of Biotherapeutics at Just – Evotec Biologics, commented: "In outbreak scenarios, speed, scalability and manufacturing robustness are critical."
Our technology-driven approach is designed to deliver resilient, industry-leading high-yield production processes that can support rapid deployment in public health emergencies.
Under the agreement, Just – Evotec Biologics will use its validated technology platforms to conduct molecular optimisation, cell line development and manufacturing process development for two antibodies.
These antibodies were originally identified in survivors of the 2014 Ebola outbreak and may represent key components of an immune response that helped protect those individuals from the virus.
According to the statement released this morning, Just – Evotec Biologics will leverage its platform technologies to transform these discoveries into high-yield, scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes that can support future therapeutic development and emergency deployment.