Eli Lilly and Junshi BioSciences to Co-Develop COVID-19 Antibody Therapies

Eli Lilly and Junshi Biosciences are collaborating to develop therapeutic antibodies for preventing and treating COVID-19.

The Chinese drugmaker launched one of the first research and development efforts for COVID-19 therapies at the beginning of the outbreak. It has already engineered multiple antibodies aimed at neutralizing the virus and the lead candidate is expected to enter clinical testing soon.

Lilly will receive an exclusive license to conduct clinical development, manufacturing and distribution of products outside of Greater China. Junshi Biosciences will maintain all rights in Greater China.

The drugmakers aim to submit an IND and initiate clinical studies in the U.S. within weeks. Junshi is working with China’s National Medical Products Administration to begin the IND application process in China as soon as possible.

Lilly is also testing an investigational monoclonal antibody, LY3127804, as a possible treatment for pneumonia patients hospitalized with COVID-19. — Jordan Williams