BCW Member Regeneron Working Towards Corona Cure

Tarrytown-based Regeneron and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are working together in an effort to develop a treatment for the 2019 novel coronavirus. Research is taking place at Regeneron’s labs in Westchester.

The United Nations’ World Health Organization has declared the outbreak to be a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.” The virus has been contracted by more than 81,000 people across the globe as of Thursday, Feb. 27.

Regeneron’s association with HHS previously resulted in an experimental treatment for the Ebola virus. The company has been collaborating with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) at HHS.

According to HHS, there are no vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect people against contracting the new coronavirus. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat people who may become ill from new coronavirus infections. Treatments for similar viruses or symptoms similar to those produced by the new coronavirus have been having some effect against the new virus.

Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester, said that Regeneron is playing an important role in combatting a world-wide threat.

“Having BCW member Regeneron playing a leadership role in working to find a cure for this virus is historic,’’ said Gordon. “We are all proud to have this groundbreaking company here in Westchester, and we thank the entire Regeneron workforce for their efforts in finding a vaccine to protect us against this deadly disease.’’