Biomedical research grant awardee 2022
Transforming Rabies Treatment: High-Affinity Human Monoclonal Antibody Cocktail for Effective Post-Exposure Prophylaxis
Rabies is a deadly disease that claims the lives of thousands of people each year. The disease is primarily transmitted through the bites of rabid dogs, and changes in agricultural practices, deforestation, and urbanization have altered the animal-human interface, resulting in the emergence of new strains of the virus. This has led to an increased number of non-canine cases and a growing global health burden.
To tackle this problem, our research team is working on generating fully human monoclonal antibodies against Rabies. We aim to use memory B cells from vaccinated patients following a dog bite to generate high-affinity human monoclonal antibodies. Our goal is to create a library of these hmAbs that can handle future adaptation strategies by the virus or the emergence of new strains, providing an effective, affordable, and scalable treatment option for people who have been exposed to the virus.
By developing fully human monoclonal antibodies against Rabies, we hope to reduce the incidence of this deadly disease worldwide and save countless lives. Our research represents a significant step forward in the fight against Rabies, and we are committed to continuing our work until Rabies is no longer a threat to public health. Together, we can create a safer, healthier world for all.
Collaborators:
Dr. Debasis Nayak
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
Dr. Saurabh Bobdey
Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
Dr. Saurav Sen
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik



