STCube reported on the 30th that it applied for a U.S. patent for COVID-19 treatment, which is based on the company-developed immune-checkpoint inhibitor “STT-003” antibody.

Currently geared for clinical trials, the ‘STT-003’ antibody can have multiple applicability - as an anticancer immunotherapy as well as treatment for viruses such as COVID-19.

It is known that immune-checkpoint inhibitors such as ‘STT-003’ antibodies facilitate functions of immune cells in the chronic inflammation state and induce the secretion of cytokines that stimulate immune cells such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-γ, providing rationale for use of these agents as antiviral treatments.

In connection with the development of COVID-19 treatment, STCube entered into a contract with Nexelis, a contract research organization (CRO) based in Canada, on the 23rd and is currently conducting preclinical research on the ‘STT-003’ antibody.

In the preclinical research, the company plans to assess the antiviral efficacy asserted through cytokine secretion and immue regulation using lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection model and humanized mouse model.

The ‘STT-003’ antibody is expected to be highly effective as an antiviral therapeutic agent particularly in elderly patients and those with impaired immune functions due to an underlying problem.

An official of STCube stated: “In order to promptly develop antibody medicines against highly infectious and lethal viruses such as COVID-19, we applied for the U.S. patent. As soon as the antiviral effect is verified through preclinical research, we will initiate clinical trials on COVID-19." <End>