New antibody

The Serum Institute Limited has entered into a collaboration with Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories of the University of Massachusetts Medical School to test and manufacture a new antibody that will help in cheaper treatment of rabies, states The Indian Express (November 27, 2006).

The Poona date lined story quotes Serum Institute chairman Dr Cyrus Poona­walla saying, "Till now, only equine antibodies were available. We have entered into this collaboration for the production of an antiserum that will not involve human or equine plasma. It will be less reactogenic and technically of a very high quality... Since the antibody will not involve human or animal plasma, it will be less costly in the market.”

The report goes on to note that Serum approached Massachusetts Bio Lab some months ago after they came to know that the Lab was working on this project. "They have the best scientific resources and through this partnership, we should be able to make larger quantities of the antibody easily available, especially for people who have had bites of Class 2 and 3 categories – the higher risk categories,” Poonawalla said.

Dr Cyrus Poonawalla

"It will be three years before the antibody will be available in the market,” said Serum Institute executive director S. V. Kapre. The Express report states that "Massachusetts Biologic Lab scientists will create the new monoclonal antibody in conjunction with the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention…

"The big advantage of having the antibody is that it can be administered to the victim immediately after the bite, even before the injection is given to prevent the occurrence of rabies.”