IGY Life Sciences Partners with MMS Holdings to Develop Novel COVID-19 Antibody Treatment

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO (June 09, 2020) — IGY Life Sciences today announced it will be collaborating with clinical data and regulatory experts, MMS Holdings (MMS), to further the development of IgY-110, an anti-CoV-2 therapeutic antibody with a focus on a nasal spray application. This novel approach of an IgY antibody in a nasal spray will be complementary to any vaccine developed.

Currently in the preclinical stage, the new antibody is being tested at the Canadian Government National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg, Manitoba where it will move into preclinical trials rapidly. The nasal spray therapeutic is intended to treat those currently infected with COVID-19 by controlling and blocking the spread of coronavirus. In addition, while a vaccine is critical for control of the disease, it may not be effective for both elderly and immune compromised individuals.

“We believe that IgY-110 could be ready as early as 2021 to help fight this pandemic. Shelf stable and with GRAS status (generally recognized as safe), IgY antibodies are a natural choice for long-term pandemic preparedness, and will be ready for the next wave of coronavirus, whenever it strikes,” explained Terry Dyck, President and CEO, IGY Life Sciences. “Furthermore, IgY-110 has the potential to minimize adverse reactions seen with other antibody treatments that are currently marketed or in development.”

“Our second aim is to ensure the targeted antibody will be cross-protective towards other forms of coronavirus, ensuring the antibody can be effective as a pandemic preparedness tool, and minimize the economic burden,” explained Dyck.

“There has never been a more critical time and clear need to speed research decisions through the stages of new therapy development than now,” said Kelly J. Hill, Executive Director, Global Business Operations & Strategy, MMS. “Our regulatory and data-focused team is honored to positively contribute during this time. We are grateful to IGY Life Sciences for thinking critically, and in this case creatively, to find a new approach to treat and prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

In March, MMS announced that it is offering a USD1M award toward the development of a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19. The award is being offered in the form of data and related services to qualified pharmaceutical and clinical research companies supporting commercial development of a vaccine or treatment for approval in the United States and/or other global health authorities.

“We could not think of a stronger, more proactive team for this project than MMS. They have proved to be an invaluable partner from the onset, and we are looking forward to making a positive contribution to this critical COVID-19 research together,” added Dyck.

About IGY Life Sciences

IGY Immune Technologies & Life Sciences is a privately held biotechnology company specializing in the development, manufacturing and licensing of immunoglobulin Y (IgY), for use in biologic treatments, nutraceuticals and animal health solutions.  For more information on how we are actualizing the promise of IgY technology to enable humans and animals to live healthy lives, please visit www.IGYLifeSciences.com.

About MMS Holdings

MMS is an innovative, data-focused CRO that supports the pharmaceutical and biotech industries with a proven, scientific approach to complex trial data and regulatory submission challenges. Strong industry experience and a data-driven approach to drug development make MMS a valuable CRO partner, creating compelling submissions that meet rigorous regulatory standards. With a global footprint across four continents, MMS maintains a 97 percent customer satisfaction rating, and the company has been recognized as a leading CRO in Global Health & Pharma’s international awards programs for the last three consecutive years. For more information, visit www.mmsholdings.com or follow MMS on LinkedIn.

Media:
Catherine Forbes
VP, Communications
cforbes@igyLifeSciences.com

Investors and Partners:
Michael Tintiuc
VP, Global Business Development
mtintiuc@igyLifeSciences.com