Israel on the right track to soon develop a cure for the coronavirus

(Patria) – Israeli scientists have succeeded in isolating coronavirus antibodies, the country's Ministry of Defense announced, calling this step 'a significant breakthrough' in finding a therapy for the coronavirus.

The 'monoclonal neutralizing antibody' developed by the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) 'is capable of neutralizing the coronavirus while it is inside the carrier's body,' according to a statement by Defense Minister Naftali Bennett.

The statement also said that Bennett visited the IIBR on Monday, where he was briefed on 'a significant breakthrough in finding a cure for the coronavirus'.

IIBR Director Shmuel Shapira stated that the antibody formula is currently being patented, after which an international manufacturer will be sought to begin mass production of the drug.

The IIBR is leading Israel's efforts to develop a vaccine and a cure for the coronavirus, which includes testing the blood of those recovered from COVID-19.

Antibodies are generally considered key in finding a cure for the novel coronavirus.

The antibodies isolated by Israeli scientists are monoclonal, meaning they are derived from a single recovered cell, and as such are of greater value than polyclonal antibodies (developed in other research) which originate from two or more cells of different origins.

Israel is one of the first countries to close its borders and introduce strict movement restrictions in the fight against the coronavirus. In that country, 16,246 cases of infection and 235 deaths have been registered, Reuters reports.