Numab achieves milestones and signs new partnerships

For the partnership with Intarcia, Numab applied its novel discovery and optimization platform to identify two highly potent, highly selective antibody fragment based leads. The chemical and biological profiles of the lead molecules have met or exceeded all of the success criteria that were established upon the initiation of the licensing collaboration early last year.

David Urech Ph.D., CSO and co-CEO of Numab AG, commented: “Achievement of this milestone for Intarcia further confirms the power of Numab’s discovery platform to produce next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, as well as our commitment to exceed expectations with our strategic partners.”

In addition, Intarcia has successfully formulated multiple lead molecules produced by Numab. Results confirm the robust stability of the Numab molecules, demonstrate the versatility of the Intarcia formulation technology, and are a testimony to the powerful synergies of the companies’ respective technology platforms.

Kurt Graves, Chairman, President and CEO of Intarcia Therapeutics, said: “Our Numab collaboration continues to progress with cutting-edge science and technologies capable of delivering important new medicines and combinations in our therapeutic areas of focus. The progress brings us one step closer to delivering very promising and important new once or twice-yearly medicines in large and serious chronic diseases where we are uniquely positioned to address unmet needs.”

Partnership with Tillots
The agreement with Tillots focuses on the development of next-generation tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers to generate drug candidates for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Under the terms of the agreement, Tillotts will develop and commercialize new formulations of anti-TNF-α antibody fragments identified by Numab. Numab is eligible to a signing fee and, upon successful development, will receive down- and milestone payments, as well as royalties up to double-digits. After successful pre-clinical trials, and prior to submission of an investigational new drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Tillotts will be seeking a co-development and marketing partner for the U.S. market with a strong interest in working with Tillotts to further develop antibody-based therapies that block TNF-α.  

The collaboration and option agreement with Kaken Pharmaceutical is for the identification of a multispecific antibody candidate for development in inflammatory disease. Under the agreement, Kaken will obtain an option to conclude a license and co-development agreement after identification of lead candidate generated by Numab using its unique multispecific antibody technology platform. Kaken is to fully fund the research program. Further financial details are not disclosed.

(SK)

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