New SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibody enters Clinical Phase
Cologne University Hospital (UKK), University of Marburg (UMR), the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and Boehringer Ingelheim today announced the initiation of Phase 1/2a clinical investigation of BI 767551, a new SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody. By combining UKK, UMR and DZIF’s expertise in virology, immunology and clinical investigation with Boehringer Ingelheim’s expertise in developing and manufacturing therapeutic antibodies, the partners developed BI 767551 as a potential new therapeutic and preventive/prophylactic option for fighting COVID-19.
Virus neutralizing antibodies are expected to become an important line of defense against SARS-CoV-2, complementing vaccines and nonpharmaceutical interventions. They are being investigated as a therapy option for individuals with mild or severe infections, but also as prevention or prophylaxis in non-infected people with a high risk of infection or at risk of serious outcomes. Directly delivering BI 767551 to the lung by inhalation has the potential to provide fast acting protection from virus infection in the respiratory tract.
The new antibody BI 767551 was derived from blood samples of recovered COVID-19 patients at UKK, examined for SARS-CoV-2 neutralization at UMR and developed further in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. The clinical study will be led by Prof. Florian Klein and Prof. Gerd Fätkenheuer at UKK and Boehringer Ingelheim will supply the antibody. “With BI 767551, we aim to provide an effective option for preventing and treating COVID-19,” explains Prof. Florian Klein, Director of the Institute for Virology at the Cologne University Hospital and Principal Investigator at the DZIF.
”Monoclonal antibodies are a promising component in the fight against new viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2. If this antibody turns out to be effective against COVID-19, this finding could be helpful in the current and also in future epidemics and pandemics. I am glad that we are able to assist in the development of this compound," says Prof. Stephan Becker, Director of the Institute of Virology at University of Marburg and Coordinator Emerging Infections, DZIF.
“We are excited to contribute to the development of BI 767551 in collaboration with our partners, with the aim to provide an innovative SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, combining a systemic with an inhaled route of administration” said Michel Pairet, member of Boehringer Ingelheim’s Board of Managing Directors with responsibility for the company’s Innovation Unit.
The Phase 1/2a studies (NCT04631705, NCT04631666) will evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of the antibody. In Phase 1, the antibody will be administered to participants either with a single infusion or a single inhalation. If the antibody is well tolerated, late-stage confirmatory studies will be conducted.
Please click on the following link for ‘Notes to Editors’:
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201218005318/en/
Contact information
Media Contacts
Boehringer Ingelheim
Dr. Reinhard Malin
Head of Communications Innovation Unit
Boehringer Ingelheim Corporate Center GmbH
Media + PR
P: +49 6132 77-90815
press@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Linda Ruckel
Senior Associate Director, Media and Corporate Reputation
Boehringer Ingelheim U.S.
Media + PR
P: +1 203-791-6672
press@boehringer-ingelheim.com
Cologne University Hospital (UKK)
Christoph Wanko
Stellvertretender Pressesprecher
Stabsabteilung Unternehmenskommunikation
und Marketing
Tel.: +49 (221) 478 88757
christoph.wanko@uk-koeln.de
University of Marburg (UMR)
Dr. Gabriele Neumann
Leiterin der Stabsstelle Hochschulkommunikation
Pressesprecherin
Tel.: +49 6421 28-26118
Mail: gabriele.neumann@uni-marburg.de
German Center for Infection Research (DZIF)
Karola Neubert und Janna Schmidt
Pressestelle
Tel. : +49 6181 1170/1154
presse@dzif.de
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Sai Life Sciences Opens Dedicated Facility for Veterinary APIs in Bidar, India18.9.2025 19:22:00 EEST | Press release
Sai Life Sciences (BSE: 544306 | NSE: SAILIFE), an innovator-focused Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), today announced the opening of Unit VI, a dedicated facility for Veterinary Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production, in Bidar, India. Located alongside Unit IV, the company’s flagship API manufacturing site, Unit VI has been established exclusively for veterinary APIs. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918612071/en/ Sai Life Sciences’ Veterinary APIs Unit in Bidar, India. The new facility is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, ensuring the production of high-quality APIs for veterinary applications. With this expansion, Sai Life Sciences aims to provide efficient and scalable manufacturing solutions to leading global animal health companies. Making the announcement, Krishna Kanumuri, CEO & Managing Direct
Celltrion Announces Commercial Availability of Omlyclo™ Across Europe at EADV 202518.9.2025 18:45:00 EEST | Press release
Celltrion, Inc. today showcased its longstanding commitment to expanding its biosimilar portfolio in the field of immuno-dermatology by attending the 2025 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress, held 17-20 September in Paris, France. Following the European Commission (EC) approval of Omlyclo™, the first and only omalizumab biosimilar in Europe in May 2024, Omlyclo™ will be commercially available starting in Norway, with subsequent rollouts in European countries. As part of Celltrion’s mission to advance knowledge and understanding in dermatology, especially in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), the company hosted satellite symposium presenting the results of the global Phase III clinical trial of Omlyclo™. The global Phase III clinical trial involved 619 patients with CSU, following them up to week 40. Patients were randomized to receive 300 mg or 150 mg of Omlyclo™, or reference product, every 4 weeks. Starting from week 12, patients who received Omlyclo™ we
Setting the Standard: AMRA Medical Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Top HealthTech Companies’18.9.2025 17:40:00 EEST | Press release
AMRA Medical is proud to share its inclusion in the World’s Top HealthTech Companies list, published today by TIME in collaboration with Statista. This recognition positions AMRA among an elite group of global innovators that are leading healthcare transformation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918372780/en/ AMRA Medical Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s ‘World’s Top HealthTech Companies’ The selection, which comes just one week after celebrating AMRA’s 15 years of progress and innovation within the body composition space, highlights AMRA’s long-standing commitment to becoming a global leader in health informatics. By delivering detailed, reproducible insights within fat distribution and muscle composition, AMRA’s MRI-based technology is helping clinicians, researchers, and healthcare organizations unlock new levels of understanding across the metabolic and musculoskeletal sectors. “Being recognized by
illumynt, a CNE Direct Company, Is Pleased to Announce the Promotion of Jörg Herbarth to Chief Executive Officer (CEO)18.9.2025 17:30:00 EEST | Press release
illumynt, a CNE Direct company, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jörg Herbarth to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jörg has been a key member of illumynt’s executive leadership team since joining in June 2022, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer. In his new role as CEO, Jörg will spearhead illumynt’s mission to become the number one provider of AI- and data-centric IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) solutions worldwide. Paul Knight, illumynt’s current CEO, will transition to the role of Founder & Chairman. In this capacity, Paul will continue to support the executive team with strategic guidance, while Jörg assumes full leadership of day-to-day operations and global expansion initiatives. Mr. Knight had come out of retirement a year ago to undertake some new initiatives and advance the company's strategic direction. With some necessary changes having taken place- he is thrilled to facilitate this transition to a reduced role again. Under Jörg’s leadership, illumynt will cont
Textron Aviation Broadens Aftermarket Connectivity Solutions for Cessna Citation Latitude by Offering Starlink High-Speed Internet18.9.2025 16:30:00 EEST | Press release
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced an additional high-speed internet connectivity solution for the Cessna Citation Latitude following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) issuance of AeroMech’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Starlink high-speed internet connectivity. AeroMech’s STC utilizes Starlink’s constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide more reliable connectivity over land, water and remote areas, where traditional in-flight Wi-Fi may not have service. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250918380069/en/ Textron Aviation broadens aftermarket connectivity solutions for Cessna Citation Latitude by offering Starlink high-speed internet (Photo Credit: Textron Aviation) “With Starlink connectivity now available as an upgrade, Citation Latitude customers can enjoy a seamless, high-speed in-flight experience that keeps them connected in more
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom