Science Translational Medicine published the study.
Here are five points:
1. Cows that were genetically modified to mimic specific aspects of the human immune system produced the treatment, an antibody that blocks the MERS virus.
2. Researchers gave the cows a new MERS vaccine, leading to the production of MERS antibodies in large quantities. Then, researchers purified the antibodies to create the therapeutic, which they used to test in the MERS-infected mice.
3. The researchers called the results “promising,” as MERS can cause severe respiratory symptoms and has a death rate of 40 percent.
3. Sioux Falls, S.D.-based SAB, a biopharmaceutical company, provided the genetically modified cows.
4. Novavax, a vaccine biotech company based in Gaithersburg, Md., provided the vaccine.
5. Next steps entail a human clinical trial in three months to six months, which will test the therapeutic’s safety. If phase one proves successful, phase two will follow to test whether the vaccine is effective for humans in emergency situations.
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