NMITLI Programme of CSIR to conduct “hmAbs” trial to neutrialize COVID-19

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under its New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI) is to develop human monoclonal antibodies (hmAbs). These antibodies will neutralise COVID-19 virus in patients.

Highlights

The CSIR on one side is fighting hard against COVID-19 through its own researches. On the other side, it is also working and supporting industries and public sector units that are coming up with solutions to COVID-19. One such initiative is developing “hmAbs”.

About the project

The project will generate hmAbs from patients that are in convalescent phase. Convalescent is patients that are recovering from illness. The project also aims to generate hmAbs clones. These clones are expected to neutralize mutated virus.

Israel was first

The monoclonal neutralizing antibodies were first developed by Israel. Till now only polyclonal antibodies have been invented. Israel was the first to isolate monoclonal antibodies.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

If the antibodies are recovered from a single recovered cell, they are called monoclonal antibodies. On the other hand, if they are recovered from multiple cells, they are called polyclonal antibodies.

NMITLI

The NMITLI is the largest PPP (Public-private partnership) model of Research and Development programme in the country. The main aim of the project is to catalyse innovation and technological developments.

Previously, fuel cells based on high temperature proton exchange membrane technology was developed under the NMITLI programme.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020