ModeX Therapeutics Secures $35 Mn BARDA supplement to develop antibodies

ModeX Therapeutics Inc, a biotechnology company under OPKO Health, Inc., reveals that it has received $35 million more in funding from BARDA, a branch of HHS responsible for Strategic Preparedness and Response in the US. The firm will start working on influenza multispecifics using gene or protein delivery methods by starting Phase 2 of BARDA funding with the activation of a $16 million option.

The funding will aid in advancing a new dual-targeting antibody for SARS-CoV-2 from early research to phase 1 clinical trials, along with studying gene-based production of dual-targeting antibodies using mRNA and/or DNA vectors for SARS-CoV-2. 

The support and development of these programs will continue to investigate ModeX's exclusive MSTAR platform in order to be prepared for outbreaks and quickly address new viral dangers. In total, ModeX has been awarded $110 million in funding, with the possibility of receiving $205 million if all options are exercised.

“A rapid response with broadly protective antibodies is crucial to effectively contain outbreaks of viruses like influenza or SARS-CoV-2. By design, our multispecific platform represents a potential countermeasure that could swiftly provide coverage against such public health threats,” said Dr. Gary Nabel, president and chief executive officer of ModeX.