Antibodies against MERS virus successfully synthesized from ostrich eggs.

People in Seoul wear face masks to protect against MERS. (Source: THX/VNA)

Amidst the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) caused by coronavirus in South Korea, a team of scientists led by Professor Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, a leading expert in animal epidemiology at Kyoto University's Graduate School, has successfully researched and produced a large quantity of antibodies capable of strongly inhibiting this dangerous virus from ostrich eggs.

The drug was also tested at the U.S. Army Center for Infectious Disease Research, an agency that collaborated with Professor Tsukamoto on the research.

The spray medication has begun to be shipped in large quantities to South Korea and the United States.

Under the influence of this antibody, the coronavirus cannot penetrate human cells and is highly effective in preventing infection with this deadly virus.

This time, Professor Tsukamoto created a surface protein form of coronavirus, derived from silkworm cells, and introduced this protein into the ostrich's body as an antigen.

Scientists will purify antibodies from ostrich eggs that contain antibodies against the virus to create a drug.

Coronavirus enters human cells through a specific protein. Professor Tsukamoto explained, "This type of antibody will form a protective layer on the outside of the cell, preventing the virus from penetrating inside. I hope that with this ability, the antibody could prevent MERS infection."

Professor Tsukamoto highly praised the ostrich's immune system, which is capable of healing wounds very quickly.

Currently, Professor Tsukamoto's team has developed a technology for producing antibodies in large quantities from ostrich eggs since 2008, thanks to the high antibody production capacity of this species.

"Antibody masks" attracted particular public attention when they were widely sold during the 2008 flu pandemic, and ostrich antibodies against the Ebola virus were also produced in 2014.

Bioventure (USA) and its research center are also collaborating with Kyoto University to combat the MERS outbreak.

Currently, the center is testing for side effects and antibody efficacy after purification.

Besides South Korea, a batch of antibody medication has been shipped to the United States. Because it is a treatment not yet approved for direct administration into the human body, it is currently only being used in the form of an antibody-containing aerosol spray applied to masks, hands, and doorknobs for disease prevention.

This medication is expected to be distributed to healthcare workers and at airports in South Korea and Japan.

According to Vietnam+