Sym002 (anti-vaccinia virus rpAb) is composed of 26 recombinant polyclonal anti-vaccinia virus antibodies to replace existing anti-vaccinia hyperimmune immunoglobulins (VIG) for the treatment of adverse effects caused by smallpox vaccination.

Market
Although smallpox was eradicated in 1980, bioterrorism has reintroduced it as a public health concern. U.S. and European governments have begun to stockpile vaccines with the aim of having up to one dose per citizen, but the currently available vaccines are associated with potentially serious adverse reactions. VIG is used for the treatment of adverse effects of the vaccine, but limited supply has prevented large-scale stockpiling from being feasible. Symphogen’s polyclonal antibodies are recombinant, so they can be produced in unlimited supply – therefore, Symphogen’s anti-vaccinia virus antibodies may have the potential to meet this need. Additionally, recombinant polyclonal antibodies offer a more specific immune response than do immunoglobulins, so they may offer a more effective treatment.

Status
Preclinical proof-of-concept has been established for Sym002, which has demonstrated superior neutralizing activity over commercially available VIG, both in vitro and in vivo.

Infectious Disease