PETALING JAYA: Ho Wah Genting Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, HWGB Biotech Sdn Bhd’s joint venture partner, E-Mo Biology Inc (EBI) is collaborating with a US-based lab facility to develop and produce companion diagnostic systems.
In a statement, the group said these systemsutilise ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and Western Blot methodology for the detection and qualification of RNA directed RNA polymerase (RDRP) IgG and IgA antibodies in human specimen against SARS-CoV-2 antigens.
Ho Wah Genting spokesman Dr Yaman Walid Kassab said the group is encouraged by the progress made with the clinical study programme undertaken in its joint venture with EBI.
“The research team is working very hard to ensure positive outcomes from the clinical study and we are monitoring every step of the way as we fully understand the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic on people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.
To recap, HWGB Biotech had signed an agreement in August 2020 to collaborate with EBI in developing a Covid-19 preventive vaccine through phase IV clinical trials based on the use of the polio vaccine. The US Food and Drug Administration has responded twice to EBI’s application by requesting for further information on the clinical study.
HWGB Biotech has also submitted the necessary documentation to Malaysia’s National Medical Research Register on the use of the polio vaccine for the potential new indication.
EBI is principally engaged in biology research and development based in California, USA.
