US-based Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has partnered with Regeneron on the Covid-19 monoclonal antibody vaccine clinical development programme.

A part of the US Government’s Strategic Preparedness and Response division, BARDA has entered the partnership as part of Project NextGen. The project plans to leverage public-private partnerships to develop vaccines and therapies for Covid-19 SARS-CoV-2 and other future strains.

There has been an increased demand for Covid-19 vaccines that target the new variants, specifically Omicron, after the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) decision to seek SARS-CoV-2 XBB 1.5 Omicron subvariant Covid-19 vaccines.

As per the current agreement, Regeneron will independently invent an antibody candidate for Covid-19. Following this, both parties will evaluate the further development of the candidate. BARDA will then fund up to $326m for the vaccine development.

In a press release, Regeneron CEO Leonard S Schleifer said: “Although Covid-19 has moved to an endemic stage, many people – including those with immunocompromising conditions – continue to face exposure that impacts their everyday life and could cause serious health consequences.

“American biopharmaceutical companies developed remarkable Covid-19 therapeutics and vaccines in record time, successfully changing the course of the pandemic, and we’re gratified that the US Government continues to support early research from this uniquely innovative industry.”

The current partnership expands on the previous $450m agreement between BARDA and Regeneron to supply the Covid-19 vaccine.

BARDA also has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron to develop a portfolio of antibodies to target ten public-risk-causing pathogens, including influenza. Recently, BARDA ordered smallpox and mpox vaccines from Bavarian Nordic as part of its preparedness response.