Exton-based Immunome is developing an “antibody cocktail” to fight COVID-19 variants of concern. The World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control classified these mutations for their increased transmissibility and disease severity, writes Laura Brzyski for Philadelphia magazine.

The biopharmaceutical company’s candidate, known as IMM-BCP-01, has already demonstrated strong performance in preclinical testing. The cocktail, comprising three monoclonal antibodies, neutralized the U.K., South Africa, Brazil, and California coronavirus variants.

When tested on hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2, the treatment demonstrated efficacy as prevention for animals dosed both pre- and post-infection.

Human testing has not yet occurred. The company plans to file an investigational new drug application with the FDA later this year to begin human testing.

Purnanand Sarma, Immunome’s president and CEO, said the company is very satisfied with the speed with which its drug candidate can isolate antibodies. This advantage could be highly beneficial in preventing any future outbreaks.

“Our rapid response technology has the potential to prepare the country in the event of another big wave of COVID-19,” he said.

Read more about Immunome in Philadelphia magazine.