Research programme: gene-encoded antibody vaccines - SmartPharm Therapeutics/Sorrento Therapeutics
Alternative Names: Gene MAbs SARs-Cov-2Latest Information Update: 04 Sep 2020
At a glance
- Originator SmartPharm Therapeutics; Sorrento Therapeutics
- Class COVID-19 vaccines; DNA vaccines; Monoclonal antibodies; Viral vaccines
- Mechanism of Action Immunostimulants
-
Orphan Drug Status
No
Orphan designation is assigned by a regulatory body to encourage companies to develop drugs for rare diseases.
- New Molecular Entity No
Highest Development Phases
- Research COVID 2019 infections
Most Recent Events
- 01 Sep 2020 SmartPharm Therapeutics has been acquired by Sorrento Therapeutics
- 23 Mar 2020 SmartPharm Therapeutics and Sorrento Therapeutics agree to co-develop gene-encoded antibody vaccines for COVID-2019 infections (Prevention)
- 23 Mar 2020 Early research in COVID-2019 infections (Prevention) in USA (IM)
Development Overview
Introduction
Prophylactic vaccines comprised of genes that encode antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 antigens are being co-developed by SmartPharm Therapeutics (a subsidiary of Sorrento Therapeutics) and Sorrento Therapeutics for prevention of COVID-2019 infection. The lead vaccine candidate will be developed by combining the monoclonal antibody platform (G-MABTM library) of Sorrento and non-viral nanoparticle gene delivery platform or Gene MAb™ of SmartPharm. Gene Mab™ platform combines a novel DNA plasmid with long duration of expression and a safe, effective delivery system to be used in standard hypodermic injection. Several monoclonal antibody candidates from the G-MABTM library will be identified that neutralise the viral antigens. The Gene MAb™ platform will then incorporate the selective antibodies to be encoded by gene which will further cause production of protective antibody against the virus directly in the muscle of an individual. Early stage research is ongoing in the US.
In September 2020, SmartPharm Therapeutics was acquired by Sorrento Therapeutics [1] .
Company Agreements
In March 2020, Sorrento Therapeutics and SmartPharm Therapeutics entered into research and development collaboration to develop a gene-encoded antibody or antibodies vaccine for prevention of COVID-2019 infection. The collaboration will utilize monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 virus discovered and/or generated by Sorrento that will be encoded into a gene for delivery utilizing SmartPharm’s non-viral nanoparticle platform. Under the collaboration, Sorrento and SmartPharm will develop a gene-encoded antibody or antibodies that can be administered as a prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The collaboration may include candidate development as well as filing of an IND application. Financial details were not disclosed. [2]
Drug Properties & Chemical Synopsis
- Route of administration IM
- Formulation Injection
- Class COVID-19 vaccines, DNA vaccines, Monoclonal antibodies, Viral vaccines
- Mechanism of Action Immunostimulants
-
WHO ATC code
J07B-X (Other viral vaccines)
-
EPhMRA code
J7E9 (All other viral vaccines)
Development Status
Summary Table
| Indication | Qualifier | Patient Segment | Phase | Countries | Route / Formulation | Developers | Event Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COVID 2019 infections | - | Prevention | Research | USA | IM / Injection | SmartPharm Therapeutics, Sorrento Therapeutics | 23 Mar 2020 |
Commercial Information
Involved Organisations
| Organisation | Involvement | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| SmartPharm Therapeutics | Originator | USA |
| Sorrento Therapeutics | Originator | USA |
| SmartPharm Therapeutics | Owner | USA |
| Sorrento Therapeutics | Owner | USA |
Development History
| Event Date | Update Type | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Sep 2020 | Company Involvement | SmartPharm Therapeutics has been acquired by Sorrento Therapeutics Updated 04 Sep 2020 |
| 23 Mar 2020 | Licensing Status | SmartPharm Therapeutics and Sorrento Therapeutics agree to co-develop gene-encoded antibody vaccines for COVID-2019 infections (Prevention) [2] Updated 01 Apr 2020 |
| 23 Mar 2020 | Phase Change | Early research in COVID-2019 infections (Prevention) in USA (IM) [2] Updated 01 Apr 2020 |
| 23 Mar 2020 | Regulatory Status | Sorrento Therapeutics and SmartPharm Therapeutics announces intention to subimit IND application for COVID-2019 infections (Prevention) [2] Updated 01 Apr 2020 |
References
-
Sorrento Announces the Closing of Its Acquisition of SmartPharm to Build Next Generation G-MAB-Encoded Plasmid DNA For Cost-Efficient and In Vivo Production of Antibody Therapeutics in Patients.
Media Release -
SORRENTO AND SMARTPHARM TO COLLABORATE TO DEVELOP NOVEL GENE-ENCODED ANTIBODY VACCINE INTENDED TO PROTECT AGAINST COVID-19.
Media Release
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