Editor’s Note: This post is part of a COVID-19 success stories series. 

Many know or have heard about the respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19. Lesser known is that the virus also attacks the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing infections that may persist even after the respiratory symptoms have resolved, contributing to what’s known as “long-haul COVID.” With support from USAMRDC’s Military Infectious Diseases Research Program (MIDRP) and the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), Lumen Bioscience is developing  a low-cost, orally delivered cocktail of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to prevent and treat infection of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Lumen Bioscience, a nontraditional government contractor and small business, has completed several milestones culminating in a cocktail of high-potency antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2. Early results demonstrate strong resistance to GI proteases and high-yield in Lumen’s unique ultra-low-cost cGMP manufacturing system. A gastrointestinal targeted therapy could reduce overall viral burden, inhibit disease progression, accelerate viral clearance, and block significant transmission routes. By encouraging participation from nontraditional organizations such as Lumen Bioscience, the OTA collaboration model is facilitating the development of this GI treatment.

About MTEC

MTEC seeks to accelerate the delivery of technology and medical solutions that prevent and treat injuries and restore America’s military and veterans to full health.