Researchers have discovered a monoclonal antibody that potentially acts as a potent universal coronavirus therapy against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The study published in the journal ‘PLOS Pathogens’ showed that the monoclonal antibody was effective against several common cold coronaviruses. 1249A8 hmAbs, the monoclonal antibody, targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein that gets attached to the cells, thereby causing infection.

The researchers from the University of Alabama discovered 17 hmAbs that bonded to the S2 protein. Out of these, only four were able to neutralize the COVID pseudovirus and live SARS-CoV-2, including the Beta and Omicron variants. The 1249A8 hmAbs had the broadest and most potent activity against all strains, while the 1249A8, 1213H7 cocktail was only effective against the delta variant. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/new-nasal-monoclonal-antibody-therapy-effective-against-covid-variants-mers/93090708 )