Novartis said on Jan. 10 that positive data from a clinical trial of COVID-19 therapeutic drug ensovibep has prompted the firm to exercise an option to in-licence the antiviral from development partner Molecular Partners and later seek emergency use approval from U.S. regulators. In a statement, Novartis confirmed plans to pay around $163 million to Molecular Partners to in-licence ensovibep, ramp up manufacturing more quickly, and seek faster regulatory authorizations across the globe, starting with an application for emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Ensovibep is designed to block the receptor binding domains of the spike protein of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, also known as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Novartis said the drug’s so-called multi-specific protein-based domains ensure strong neutralization of the CCP virus, even in the face of mutations of the pathogen’s spike protein, while limiting the development of escape mutants. …