Vancouver’s AbCellera has been named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2020 for its drug discovery platform that can search and analyze natural immune systems to deliver best-in-class antibody drugs.
Fast Company’s list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and society, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today’s fast-changing world.
By innovating at every step of the discovery process, AbCellera’s team has repeatedly proven its ability to unlock novel targets, including those previously considered ‘undruggable’ due to technical challenges associated with antibody generation. AbCellera is transforming the field of biologics, generating first-in-class drugs through partnerships with pharma and biotech companies and reducing timelines to advance new programs towards the clinic.
An example of how AbCellera’s innovative approach is being used to address real-world challenges is its response to the current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak that causes COVID-19.
AbCellera is leading a team of industry experts in the Pandemic Prevention Platform (P3) program, a DARPA initiative to establish a robust technology platform for pandemic response capable of developing field-ready medical countermeasures within 60 days of isolation of an unknown viral pathogen.
As part of this program, AbCellera is working on discovering SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies that could ultimately be deployed to stop transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“At a time of increasing global volatility, this year’s list showcases the resilience and optimism of businesses across the world. These companies are applying creativity to solve challenges within their industries and far beyond,” said Fast Company senior editor Amy Farley, who oversaw the issue with deputy editor David Lidsky.