Earlier work by the scientists identified a unique antibody capable of preventing the binding of the SARS-CoV virus – the causative agent of COVID-19 disease – to human cells. The antibody can be produced through processes that are common in the biopharmaceutical industry, enabling large-scale production. 

In collaboration with other international research centers, the team in Flanders has now made significant progress in developing a potential agent against the coronavirus based on this antibody. The next step is to work on the live variant involved in the current outbreak.  

Dr. Bert Schepens, scientist at VIB, Flanders’ strategic research center for life sciences and biotechnology: “This breakthrough was made possible thanks to good teamwork. We can rely on the innovative academic excellence and talent of the whole VIB team. In the future, we will continue to collaborate, also with academic experts outside VIB walls. It felt like a collective victory when we were able to establish the suppression of the virus in these experiments.” 

As a leading reference in biotechnology, VIB is known worldwide for its breakthroughs in life sciences research in numerous domains, including oncology, microbiology, medical biotech, immunology and inflammation. VIB scientists are committed to fighting not only established but also emerging epidemic threats. 

Hilde Crevits, Flanders’ Minister of Science and Innovation: “Thanks to years of biomedical research targeting the SARS virus, the scientists identified its similarities to the current coronavirus relatively quickly. This allowed them to realize this first major breakthrough.”