Human Monoclonal Antibody Against WNV Shows Promise in Animal Studies

Dutch biotechnology company Crucell N.V. announced the discovery of a monoclonal antibody for protection against West Nile virus (WNV).

Study results have demonstrated that the fully human monoclonal antibody, derived from patients who survived West Nile infection, effectively neutralized the virus in cell culture and fully protected mice from an otherwise lethal infection.

The discovery of the West Nile antibody follows the group's discovery of antibodies against SARS and rabies during 2004. It also complements Crucell's West Nile virus vaccine development program that is due to enter clinical trials at the end of 2005.

Although the vaccine will be targeted at preventing infection in the elderly population most at risk of developing the most severe form of the disease, the antibody may be applied postinfection in specific cases to prevent the potentially fatal onset of encephalitis.