Celltrion signs COVID-19 antibody therapy supply agreements with Europe

The Celltrion logo can be seen at the company’s headquarters in Incheon, South Korea on October 28, 2016. REUTERS / Kim Hong-Ji / File Photo

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Reuters) – South Korean biotech company Celltrion’s (068270.KS) distribution arm has signed supply agreements for its monoclonal antibody to treat COVID-19 with nine European countries, Celltrion Healthcare (091990.KQ) said Tuesday.

The European Commission approved the company’s antibody treatment earlier this month Regkirona, granting marketing authorization for adults with COVID-19 who are at increased risk of progressing to serious illness.

The first batch of 50,000 doses will be shipped to Europe this year and the company is in talks with 47 other countries, including Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East, Celltrion said in a statement.

Antibody treatment was initially approved in South Korea and was given to around 25,000 local COVID-19 patients last week.

Laboratory made monoclonal antibodies mimic natural antibodies to fight infections. Unlike vaccines, they do not depend on the body to create an immune response and therefore can help people with weak or weakened immune systems.

Report by Sangmi Cha; edited by Richard Pullin

Our standards: Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.