[THE INVESTOR] Celltrion announced on Oct. 12 that its influenza antibody CT-P27 has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to initiate the 2b phase of clinical trials. 




The novel therapeutic agent for treatment against universal influenza binds to the stem region of hemagglutinin, the major viral surface protein, and inhibits the entry of influenza virus into host cells. In the previous clinical trials carried out in the UK, it was found to greatly reduce concentration of viruses in the body. The US Centers for Disease Control and Chinese state lab have also participated in the trials for the antibody. 

Celltrion will test the efficacy and safety of the drug candidate by administering the pharmaceutical agent and a placebo to patients with influenza A in South Korea due to the relative ease in recruiting participants, said the company.

By Hwang You-mee (glamazon@heraldcorp.com)