China's vaccine producer Sinopharm announced on Wednesday that the research team discovered a potent neutralizing antibody against the Delta variant that could be effective in short-term preventive and early treatment of COVID-19 triggered by this variant. 

The team, led by Yang Xiaoming, Chairman of Sinopharm China National Biotec Group, a Sinopharm subsidiary, found a monoclonal antibody which can effectively block the binding of novel coronavirus to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. This enzyme is attached to the membrane of cells located in the intestines, kidney, testis, gallbladder, and heart and the antibody can prevent the virus from infecting cells, the company announced on its official WeChat account. 

Monoclonal antibody, as a targeted therapy drug, has a strong specificity, significant efficacy and low toxicity. Known as the "biological missile", it has shown excellent efficacy and broad application prospects in the treatment of a variety of diseases. 

The application of the antibody, called 2B11, can also significantly reduce the pulmonary inflammation caused by virus infection.

The Delta variant has become the main variant in global transmission of COVID-19 and is also the prevailing variant in China. Recent studies showed that 2B11 had a highly consistent neutralization activity against the Delta variant, suggesting that it has great application value in short-term prevention and early treatment of COVID-19 caused by this variant.

The company said the clinical application of the 2B11 antibody is progressing an orderly manner with hopes that it can be used in the prevention and control of COVID-19 in China as soon as possible. The research is expected to be a useful weapon against virus mutation.