Celltrion is involved in multiple studies to understand whether its Covid-19 cure Rekirona (regdanvimab) can protect against coronavirus mutants posing as a new threat in the yearlong battle with virus pandemic, the company’s chairman Seo Jung-jin said.

Seo made the remark on Monday when Food and Drug Safety Minister Kim Gang-lip visited Celltrion’s Songdo, Incheon site where the neutralizing antibody therapy is being produced.

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is conducting a lab study to measure the therapy’s neutralization capacity against live viruses. Similar studies are underway in South Africa and Korea National Institute of Health, Seo confirmed. Such studies are also being conducted in the U.K. and the U.S.

With the marketing authorization of Rekirona, Korea became a country that has technology sovereignty in both diagnosis and treatment of the coronavirus, Seo said, adding the country should respond to potential viral mutations based on this technology sovereignty.

Since safety is more important than efficacy, Celltrion will continue to manage quality, and if any abnormalities are seen in clinical practice, they will be immediately reported to authorities for discussion, Seo told the minister.

Seo resigned from his chairman position at the end of last year but will retain his official title until his predecessor will be elected at the shareholders` meeting due next month.

Rekirona was approved by the ministry last week on condition of the submission of Phase 3 data.

Rekirona is a genetically modified therapy where strict management of the manufacturing process and facilities is important, Kim emphasized during his visit.

By Kim Byung-ho and Minu Kim

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