AstraZeneca signs licence agreement with RQ Biotechnology for monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19

AstraZeneca has entered into a licence agreement with RQ Biotechnology Ltd (RQ Bio) for a portfolio of early-stage monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeted against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca has acquired an exclusive worldwide licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise mAbs against SARS-CoV-2.

Iskra Reic, Executive Vice President, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape for immune therapies, including the use of monoclonal antibodies to protect vulnerable patients who can’t respond adequately to vaccination alone. Scientific innovation is rapidly accelerating, and this agreement reflects our continued commitment to the discovery and development of new medicines to help prevent and treat infectious disease, including COVID-19.”

RQ Bio is a UK-based biotechnology company focused on developing treatments and preventative therapies based on potent broad-spectrum mAbs to address areas of unmet need in vulnerable patient populations.

Notes

AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.

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