BioInvent will receive up to 3.52m for the development, scale-up, supply of material for toxicological studies and clinical grade material

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BioInvent and Cantargia enter into manufacturing partnership. (Credit: Adam Radosavljevic from Pixabay.)

Swedish biotechnology firm Cantargia has partnered with BioInvent International to manufacture its monoclonal antibody CAN10 for systemic sclerosis and myocarditis, in preclinical development.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioInvent is expected to receive up to SEK30m (3.52m), in exchange for the development, scale-up, supply of material for toxicological studies and clinical grade material for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials.

Most of the work under partnership is expected to be completed in 2021, to start clinical trials as early as possible during 2022.

Cantargia CEO Göran Forsberg said: “We are very excited to start working with BioInvent to advance our CAN10 program towards clinical trials as quickly as possible.

“Based on Bioinvent’s deep antibody knowledge and recent investments in manufacturing capabilities, we are confident in efficient and timely manufacturing of CAN10.”

Cantargia develops antibody-based therapeutics based on IL1RAP

Cantargia is engaged in the development of antibody-based therapeutics, for several types of cancer and inflammatory diseases, based on IL1RAP protein. The company is a new manufacturing partner for BioInvent.

IL1RAP plays important role in various diseases, while the company has established a platform, and CAN10 is a fully humanised monoclonal antibody that targets IL1RAP.

The drug is designed to inhibit the signalling of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-33 and IL-36, for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

BioInvent is engaged in discovery and development of novel immuno-modulatory antibodies for cancer treatment, with two ongoing Phase ½ clinical trials for the treatment of haematological cancer and solid tumours.

Two preclinical programmes in solid tumours should be commencing clinical trials by the end of 2020, said the company.

Furthermore, the company’s F.I.R.S.T technology platform would simultaneously identify both targets and the antibodies, generating promising new drug candidates.

BioInvent CEO Martin Welschof said: “We are pleased to add Cantargia to our growing list of manufacturing customers, which is a clear testament to our expertise in state-of-the-art antibody manufacturing and the quality of our processes.”