The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has selected a Frederick, Md. company to develop monoclonal antibodies to combat two worldwide infections.

Kemp Proteins, a bioservices company, will develop antibodies against the viruses that cause the flu and COVID-19 . Monoclonal antibodies are types of proteins that can be administered in infusion treatments to help prevent viruses from entering cells, therefore slowing down and limiting the spread of an infection throughout the body.

By working with the FDA, Kemp Proteins’ antibody development technology will help the agency gain a deeper understanding of how the human body reacts to these two viruses and how the immune system forms a response.

“We are excited to have been selected and to be working with the FDA, to develop these important antibodies,” said Michael Keefe, CEO of Kemp Proteins. “We are looking forward to growing this working relationship with the FDA’s Laboratory of DNA Viruses.”

Not only is the company working on improving human health, but it is also protecting the environment and promoting sustainability. In 2020, Kemp Proteins partnered with Lifoam – a leading manufacturer of thermal packaging solutions – to begin using environmentally-friendly coolers  when shipping its products.

Founded in Hunt Valley in the 1950’s, Lifoam  manufactures its “envirocooler” technology in six locations, including Maryland. The product is designed to decompose over four years when discarded in a bioreactive landfill, leaving no sign of microplastics behind.

“This simple change will result in immediate and significant reduction of our overall environmental footprint,” said Keefe.