Manila, Sept. 15 -- Scientists in the US state of Pennsylvania have managed to isolate the smallest biological molecule to date that neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the cause of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The molecule, which is said to completely and specifically neutralize the virus, is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody, said scientists on Monday at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. It is used to construct a drug known as "Ab8" for potential use against the coronavirus.
Ab8 is highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice and hamsters, they said, adding that "it does not bind to human cells - a good sign that it won't have negative side-effects in people."
"Ab8 not ...