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Llama Winter

A Flemish llama named Winter is scientists’ new hope in the fight against the coronavirus.

Lama Winter

VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology

Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75
9052 Ghent
Belgium

Scientists from VIB and the University of Ghent combined the antibodies produced by Winter into a biotechnological basis of a new treatment.

Belgian researchers found that llamas can produce antibodies that fight coronaviruses, specifically SARS and MERS, which are related to SARS-Cov-2. This finding may form the basis of a possible therapy for the disease caused by the new coronavirus, although it will take several years before a drug is ready for the market.

Team Vesalius visionairies

Flanders’ life sciences industry: the perfect combo of biotech, medtech, pharma and healthcare

Defining Flanders’ life sciences industry as diverse is an understatement. From young start-ups to established local firms and multinationals: the entire value chain – from research and discovery to development and commercialization – is represented in Belgium’s northern region. Thanks to fertile cross-pollination between biotech, medtech, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, Flanders offers a unique life sciences ecosystem that is underpinned by a robust financing landscape and a supportive government. Will your company claim its place in this dynamic hub?