Ostrich antibodies to block COVID-19 virus - Ostrich Pharma
The United States unit of Japan's Ostrich Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. announced on Tuesday it has successfully developed ostrich antibodies, claiming that they are capable of blocking the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Ostrich Pharma USA CEO Dr. Yasuhiro Tsukamoto explained that by injecting a genetically engineered pseudovirus into ostriches, antibodies were then purified from their eggs, creating a strong ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 virus. He added that the company has already expanded the use of antibodies in Japan, but plans to start producing and deploying the antibodies in the US.
"We have produced ostrich antibodies to many viruses, bacteria, and allergens, but we were pleased to see how quickly the ostriches developed immunity and placed the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in their egg," Tsukamoto stated, adding, "we were even more pleased to see how capable the antibodies were in blocking the virus that causes COVID-19."