ENGINEERED ACE2 RECEPTOR TRAPS TO BLOCK SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

Invention Novelty

Researchers at UCSF and the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub have developed a set of ACE2 variants which potently block SAR-CoV-2 infection in cells. 

Value Proposition

• Receptor traps neutralize SARS-CoV-2 as effectively as high-affinity antibodies isolated from convalescent patients
• ACE2 receptor traps have large binding interfaces and block the entire receptor binding interface, limiting the potential impact of viral escape mutations
• Receptor traps can be predesigned for viruses with known entry receptors

Technology Description

SARS-CoV-2 is the stain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This virus is characterized by spike proteins on its surface, which mediate infection by binding to host cell receptor protein angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). To date, few antiviral therapeutic agents have demonstrated clinical efficacy in treating COVID-19. Therefore, the is an urgent need for additional pharmaceutical agents to treat COVID-19. 

Application

• SARS-CoV-2 antiviral therapeutic

Stage of Development

Research – in vitro

Related Materials

• Engineered ACE2 receptor traps potently neutralize SARS-CoV-2 - 10/22/2020

Patent Status

Patent Pending