What's Happening?
Ginkgo Bioworks has been awarded a contract through BARDA's BioMaP-Consortium to develop cost-effective domestic biomanufacturing of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting filoviruses like Ebola and Sudan viruses. The project, valued at up to $22.2 million,
aims to produce an anti-filovirus mAbs cocktail discovered by Emory University. Ginkgo will lead a team including Advanced BioScience Laboratories, Isolere Bio by Donaldson, NeuImmune, and ProteoNic BV to innovate across the mAb production process. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance national biosecurity and public health preparedness by ensuring rapid and scalable mAb manufacturing.
Why It's Important?
This project is crucial for strengthening the U.S.'s ability to respond to high-threat pathogens like Ebola. By developing scalable and cost-effective mAb production methods, the initiative supports national biosecurity and public health preparedness. The collaboration with BARDA and other partners highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing biomanufacturing capabilities. The project's success could lead to more efficient production of life-saving medical countermeasures, potentially reducing the impact of future outbreaks and enhancing the country's resilience against biological threats.
What's Next?
The project will focus on integrating innovative technologies to streamline the mAb production process. Ginkgo and its partners will work closely with Emory University to advance the development of the mAbs cocktail. The initiative will also explore the use of proprietary technologies to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of mAb manufacturing. As the project progresses, it could set new standards for biomanufacturing, influencing future strategies for producing essential medical countermeasures.
