The Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) functioning under the Department of Biotechnology has successfully developed antibodies against the Chikungunya viral infection (CHIKV). The ILS has also entered into a non-exclusive license for product commercialisation, The Hindu reports.

Dr Soma Chattopadhayay a senior molecular virologist at the ILS laboratory headed the decade-long research following which the antibodies were developed. The ILS is looking to partner with a biotechnology-based company for product commercialisation and marketing of the antibodies in a 60:40 profits sharing basis.

"Generation of antibodies has had a significant impact on the progress of CHIKV-based research. It will help researchers unravel myriad aspects of virus pathogenesis," Dr Chattopadhyay said.

She adds that the research communities are a step closer to developing efficacious antivirals and control strategies against Chikungunya virus, as the research sheds light upon the CHIKV infection biology antibodies.

Sources in the ILS said the antibodies against CHIKV has received a tremendous response, and research laboratories across the world are purchasing them.