Ministry of Defense Spokesperson’s Statement on Behalf of the Israel Institute for Biological Research

In the past two days, the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), has completed a groundbreaking scientific development, determining an antibody that neutralizes the corona virus (SARS-COV-2).

This scientific breakthrough has three key parameters:
The antibody is monoclonal, new and refined, and contains an exceptionally low proportion of harmful proteins
The institute has demonstrated the ability of the antibody to neutralize the corona virus
The antibody was specifically tested on the aggressive corona virus

Based on comprehensive scientific publications from around the globe, it appears that the IIBR is the first institution to achieve a scientific breakthrough that meets all three of the aforementioned parameters simultaneously. This is the result of the institute’s great experience and the unique capabilities of its scientists.  

The IIBR is currently pursuing a patent for its development, after which it will contact international manufactures.

It should be emphasized that this scientific achievement has the potential to progress towards a treatment for corona patients, and that it is not a vaccine for wide use. This is an important milestone, which will be followed by a series of complex tests and a process of regulatory approvals. This being said, the scientists at the institute believe that the nature of this breakthrough could lead to a shortening of the process, which could span over several months.  

https://iibr.gov.il/Pages/home.aspx  

The Israel Institute for Biological Research     History
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The Israel Institute for Biological research (IIBR) was established in 1952 as a governmental research institute, founded by a group of scientists from the IDF Science Corps and from academic organizations.

IIBR is located in the small city of Ness Ziona.

Over the years the Institute has been engaged in R&D in the fields of biology, chemistry, and environmental sciences in order to provide the State of Israel with scientific response to chemical and biological threats.

Alongside this specialized activity, IIBR scientists contributed to the  development of a vaccine for polio (1959); developed kits for  the detection of explosive materials (1980); developed of a brand name drug against Sjogren syndrome (1984) marketed all over the world and is one of four brand name drugs developed in Israel.

In 1991, a governmental company, Life Sciences Research Israel (LSRI), was established alongside the Institute and serves as its business and marketing arm.

Since 1992 a unique, a laboratory for the nationwide diagnosis of diseases caused by the bacteria Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and Leptospira was established in IIBR. Since 1995, the Institute has operated as a government-affiliated unit that research all areas of defense against chemical and biological weapons, including the operation of national laboratories for detection and identification of such threats.