CSL is currently exploring the development of a hyperimmune serum that could be derived from the blood plasma of people who have recovered from coronavirus. Once an adequate number of recovered patients is identified, CSL could begin to collect their plasma and create a hyperimmune serum enriched with COV-19 antibodies to use as a therapy.
Though CSL isn’t directly working on a coronavirus vaccine, the company’s scientists are available to consult and collaborate with other teams. Also, CSL has extended its offer on its proprietary Seqirus adjuvant technology. Seqirus, one of the world’s largest influenza vaccine providers, is already providing support to teams researching coronavirus vaccines and is in discussions with governments and global health nonprofits about its potential use in other projects.
The company’s core business is the development and large-scale manufacture of plasma-based therapies, recombinant proteins and influenza vaccines. CSL Behring, one of CSL’s businesses, is the largest global provider of plasma-based therapies for chronic, life-threatening conditions, such as hemophilia and primary immunodeficiency.
With a recent investment of CHF 250 million in expanding its manufacturing capacities in the canton of Bern in order to meet the high demand for its life-saving immunoglobulin products, CSL Behring’s expertise and infrastructure to collect plasma is undeniable. This could rapidly enable the company to produce hyperimmune coronavirus treatments.
