US biopharmaceutical companies Emergent BioSolutions and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have entered into a collaboration to boost access to Ebanga (Ansuvimab-zykl).
Ebanga is a monoclonal antibody designed to treat children and adults with the infection caused by Zaire ebolavirus, commonly called Ebola or Ebola virus disease.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Emergent will assume the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of Ebanga in the US and Canada.
Ridgeback will serve as the global access partner and will ensure the drug is available to patients in endemic countries at no charge, through its compassionate use programme.
Emergent CEO Robert G Kramer said: “This relationship with Ridgeback Bio builds on our strategic focus and deep expertise in developing and supplying medical countermeasures against serious health threats.
“Ebanga is crucial in the ongoing fight to contain Ebola and we are excited about the future of this collaboration to create a healthier, more secure world.”
Ridgeback has developed Ebanga, under license from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, for the treatment of Ebola.
The drug has received the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in December 2020 to treat the Ebola virus disease.
Ridgeback has offered funding and operational support for the clinical testing and has supported the FDA approval of the drug.
The company had received additional funding for late-stage manufacturing and regulatory activities, from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).
Ridgeback Bio CEO Wendy Holman said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Emergent BioSolutions in making sure that the US and Canada receive the supply they need of Ebanga, while also continuing our ongoing local support for the prompt treatment of outbreaks that includes free patient access and funding on-the-ground support through our Rapid Response Program.”
