Saravir

Biopharma

Immediate antibody protection against measles

For people who cannot receive or respond adequately to vaccination.

View our program More information

Human monoclonal antibodies
Measles fusion-protein target
Preclinical development

Why now

Measles is resurging in the United States

2,371

U.S. measles cases in 2026 as of July 30

new U.S. outbreaks in 2026

30-year high

U.S. measles case count

Source: CDC measles data and research

How it works

An antibody that blocks the virus from entering cells

Saravir’s investigational antibodies are designed to work immediately, without waiting for the body to build its own immune response.

Measles entry mechanism. Left: the measles virus surface displays the H attachment protein bound to its cell receptor and the prefusion F protein. Without antibody, F extends into the host membrane and fusion proceeds so the virus enters. With a measles-specific antibody bound to F, fusion is blocked and no infection occurs.

The opportunity

Closing a critical gap in measles protection

Vaccination remains the foundation of measles prevention. However, some individuals cannot receive a live vaccine, do not develop adequate immunity, or require immediate protection following exposure.

Current passive-immunity options rely primarily on pooled immune globulin. Saravir is developing a standardized, measles-specific antibody product intended to provide potent and immediate protection for vulnerable populations.

A targeted antibody approach

Recognize

Human monoclonal antibodies bind selected regions of the measles virus fusion protein.

Block

Antibody binding is designed to prevent the membrane-fusion process required for the virus to enter cells.

Protect

Passive antibody administration provides immediate protection without requiring the recipient to generate an immune response.

See the full program

Evidence

Supported by preclinical research

Saravir's lead antibodies have protected against measles virus in small animal models, both before and after exposure. A manuscript describing this work is under review.

Saravir’s antibodies are investigational. Safety and efficacy have not been established in humans, and no clinical studies have been completed.

Development progress

Building toward clinical development

Completed
Antibody discovery
Completed
Lead selection
In progress
Candidate optimization
Planned
Manufacturing development
Planned
IND-enabling studies
Planned
Regulatory submission
Planned
Phase 1 clinical study

Team

Built by leaders in antiviral discovery and development

Ronald Moss, M.D.

Chief Executive Officer and President

Physician-scientist who has led antiviral and vaccine programs from early-stage research through late-stage clinical trials and NDA/BLA submission.

Andrew de Guttadauro

Chief Business Officer

Biopharmaceutical executive with more than 30 years of commercialization and business development experience.

Klaus Frueh, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific Officer

Immunologist and virologist conducting research in infectious disease and cancer immunotherapy.

James Crowe, M.D.

Inventor

Leads a human monoclonal antibody discovery program from which Saravir's measles antibodies originated.

Anne Moscona, M.D.

Scientific adviser

Virologist whose studies of paramyxovirus entry informed the design of entry-blocking strategies.

Meet the full team

Company snapshot

A defined product-development program

Key facts for investors and partners evaluating the program.

Company: Saravir Biopharma, Inc.
Lead program: Measles-specific human monoclonal antibodies
Stage: Preclinical
Initial intended use: Prophylaxis after exposure to measles
Technology origin: Antibody research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Partnering to advance measles protection

Saravir welcomes discussions with biotechnology investors, pharmaceutical partners, global-health organizations, and public-sector stakeholders interested in advancing a differentiated antibody countermeasure against measles.

More information Contact Saravir