Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine report a single antibody that can block infection by all dominant SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the newer Omicron lineage. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Research and contribute to the ongoing effort to expand the options available for preventing and treating COVID-19 infections. The study builds on years of work in antibody discovery and characterization, offering a potential path toward broader and more resilient antiviral strategies.
The research team tested a series of antibodies derived from the blood samples of individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 or received vaccination. In a comprehensive assessment, they evaluated these antibodies against twelve different virus strains that emerged throughout the pandemic, aiming to identify candidates with wide-ranging neutralizing capacity. Among the proteins examined, one antibody, designated S728-1157, stood out for its robust activity. It neutralized not only early pandemic variants but also seven distinct subtypes of Omicron, demonstrating a breadth of action that could address the challenge of evolving viral forms.
Animal studies provided additional evidence of the antibody’s potential. In experiments designed to mimic infection in living systems, treatment with this antibody led to a noticeable decrease in the number of viral particles present in both the nasal passages and the lungs. These reductions suggest that the antibody could help limit viral spread within the host and may contribute to milder disease outcomes when used as a therapeutic intervention.
The researchers note that this antibody could serve as an important alternative to conventional monoclonal antibodies, many of which have lost effectiveness as the virus has continued to mutate. In an era when new variants can emerge rapidly, having a candidate with broad neutralization raises the possibility of maintaining protective options even as the viral landscape shifts. The data indicate that S728-1157 has the potential to fill gaps left by therapies whose activity has waned against certain Omicron subtypes and related strains.
Although the pandemic is recorded as moving into a different phase, experts emphasize that SARS-CoV-2 has not vanished. Without vigilant monitoring and vaccination efforts, the virus could trigger periodic outbreaks and annual epidemics. The ongoing research into broad-spectrum antibodies like S728-1157 represents a pivotal component of the broader public health strategy, aiming to reduce transmission, protect vulnerable groups, and provide clinicians with versatile tools in the fight against COVID-19 now and in the future, as more data become available and treatment guidelines evolve.