Crucell has discovered two potent monoclonal human antibodies which neutralize the SARS coronavirus in an animal model and prevent its shedding in respiratory fluids.

There is currently no vaccine available to prevent infection with the SARS coronavirus and no therapy for the disease. The two monoclonal antibodies discovered by Crucell neutralize the SARS coronavirus in an animal model and prevent its shedding in respiratory fluids. In case of another outbreak of SARS, the monoclonal antibodies could be used to passively protect exposed persons and stop the spread of the virus. Mathematical modeling of the SARS epidemic has shown that such an intervention would have a significant impact and could reduce the high costs associated with quarantine of exposed people.

In a study entitled Human monoclonal antibody as prophylaxis for SARS coronavirus infection in ferrets (Jan ter Meulen et al), a human monoclonal antibody was discovered with the use of Crucell’s MAbstract^® technology and produced on PER.C6^® cells that protects ferrets from SARS. Ferrets are regarded as the best test model to mimic human SARS infection. The discovery of this antibody may pave the way for the development of the antibody for human use.  In another study a combination of this antibody and a second one was shown to neutralize the SARS virus synergistically.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a life-threatening viral respiratory disease caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia causing about 800 deaths before the global outbreak could be contained.

SARS virus is easily transmissible from human-to-human via droplets produced when a person coughs or sneezes. These droplets then land on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes of a person standing close by. The virus can also be transmitted via surfaces or objects where it can remain infectious for up to 48 hours. After an incubation period of approximately one week, infected persons develop headache, high fever and other influenza-like symptoms such as chills and body aches. Other symptoms may include diarrhea and a dry, nonproductive cough. Most patients develop pneumonia, with 10-20 percent of cases requiring mechanical ventilation. Nearly 10 percent of the patients that developed SARS have died of the disease.