Celltrion has developed a drug based on “human monoclonal antibodies” that can be effective against multiple influenza viruses, the biopharmaceutical company said Tuesday.
The company tentatively called the drug a Super Flu-Antibody Therapy.
This is the first time a drug effective against multiple viruses has been developed in Korea. Celltrion expects to release the product next year, ahead of major rivals in the U.S. and other countries who have also been successful in developing substances that are effective against one or more viruses.
The drug neutralizes a broad spectrum of influenza viruses and could be effective for the pandemic H1N1, H5N1 avian influenza and others, Celltrion said.