It is an immunotherapy based on equine polyclonal antibodies (EpAbs) with high neutralizing capacity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
These EpAbs, which block the virus’ entry into the cells preventing viral replication, are obtained using as an antigen the recombinant receptor-binding domain of the viral Spike glycoprotein produced by biotechnology. The generated antibodies are processed to obtain highly purified F(ab')2 fragments with an excellent safety profile. EpAbs recognize and bind to different regions of the RBD domain of Spike protein blocking the sites of interaction with its human receptor, which reduces the risk of lack of efficacy against new antigenic variants. In addition, EpAbs are relatively quick to produce on large scale.
(1) “Development of a Hyperimmune Equine Serum Therapy for COVID-19 in Argentina”. Zylberman, V., et al. Medicina (Buenos Aires) 2020; Vol. 80 (Supl. III): 1-6.
(2) “RBD-specific polyclonal F(ab´)2 fragments of equine antibodies in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease: A randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, adaptive phase 2/3 clinical trial”. G. Lopardo et al. EClinicalMedicine, 34 (2021) 100843.
(3) “Safety and effectiveness of RBD-specific polyclonal equine F(ab´)2 fragments for the treatment of hospitalized patients with severe Covid-19 disease: A retrospective cohort study”. Farizano Salazar DH, Achinelli F, Colonna M, Pérez L, Giménez AA, et al. (2022). PLOS ONE 17(9): e0274796. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274796
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Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is caused by consuming food or water contaminated with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli bacteria (STEC). The accumulation of this toxin in children’s body causes serious effects. Initially, it may cause diarrhea with or without blood, severe abdominal pain, paleness and scant urine.
It is a rare disease and no licensed specific therapy is presently available for human use. The protocols recommend supportive therapy in a hospital setting.
Children are most likely to be affected but adults can get it as well.
It is the first cause of acute renal failure in children.
It causes 20% of the kidney transplant in children.
It leaves sequels for life in 50% of the affected children: chronic kidney failure, hypertension and neurological disorders.
According to the OMS, Argentina has the highest global incidence of HUS in children under 5 years of age. Other countries in North America, Europe, or Asia have outbreaks of the disease.
It can be diagnosed by a laboratory test that detects the toxin’s presence in few hours.
They were carried out at Centro de Medicina Comparada of the Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (dependent on the Universidad Nacional del Litoral and the CONICET) and at specialized laboratories in the United States.
It evaluated the safety, tolerance and pharmacokinetics of INM004 in healthy volunteer adults and was conducted at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. The results showed an adequate safety and pharmacokinetics profile.
It will evaluate the safety and efficacy of INM004 in pediatric patients developing HUS. The Phase 2 clinical trial is starting at 15 hospitals and clinics in Argentina.
Buenos Aires, CABA: Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires; Hospital General de Niños “Pedro de Elizalde”; Hospital «Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan”; Clínica Zabala; Sanatorio Güemes; Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez”. Florencio Varela: Hospital de Alta Complejidad en Red El Cruce “Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirchner”. La Plata: Hospital de Niños “Sor María Ludovica”. Mar del Plata: Hospital Interzonal Especializado Materno Infantil “Don Victorio Tetamanti”. Bahía Blanca: Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna”. Córdoba: Sanatorio Allende; Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad. La Pampa: Establecimiento Asistencial “Dr. Lucio Molas”. Mendoza: Hospital Pediátrico «Dr. Humberto J. Notti». Neuquén: Hospital Provincial Neuquén “Dr. Eduardo Castro Rendón”. Rosario: Sanatorio de Niños.
Buenos Aires, CABA: Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires; Hospital General de Niños “Pedro de Elizalde”; Clínica Zabala; Sanatorio Güemes; Hospital de Niños “Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez”. Florencio Varela: Hospital de Alta Complejidad en Red El Cruce “Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirchner”. La Plata: Hospital de Niños “Sor María Ludovica”. Mar del Plata: Hospital Interzonal Materno Infantil Don Victorio Tetamandi. Mendoza: Hospital Pediátrico «Dr. Humberto J. Notti». Córdoba: Sanatorio Allende; Hospital de Niños de la Santísima Trinidad. Rosario: Sanatorio de Niños. Neuquén: Hospital Provincial Neuquén “Dr. Eduardo Castro Rendón”. Bahía Blanca: Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos “Dr. José Penna”. La Pampa: Establecimiento Asistencial “Dr. Lucio Molas”.
Hantaviruses are the etiologic agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal failure (HFRS) and hantavirus’ cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).
In Argentina, the viral types that trigger hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome prevail. HCPS is a severe acute viral disease with a mortality rate of around 30%.
It is another rare disease for which there is no vaccine or specific drugs and the only available treatment is supportive therapy at a hospital setting.
The virus is transmitted by wild mice (mainly longtails) and is spread by inhalation of aerosols with viral particles from the feces or urine of infected rodents or by direct contact with them. It can also be spread between humans by air, through close contact with an infected person.
At Inmunova we are working on the development of an antiserum against hantavirus. Using modern protein engineering techniques, we are developing polyclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing the virus and avoiding the complications associated with the disease.
We work to translate advanced science and innovation into therapies that have a significant impact on improving health.
