Initially, the partnership will aim to synthesize and assess ADCs related to cryptophycins, an antitumor molecule, which will be evaluated in multiple cancer cell lines
Bielefeld University building. (Credit: Arminia~commonswiki from Wikimedia Commons)
Lantern Pharma has announced a research partnership with Bielefeld University, Germany to use its artificial intelligence (AI)-based RADR platform to develop antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) with therapeutic and antitumor potential.
Initially, the partnership will aim to synthesize and assess ADCs related to cryptophycins, an antitumor molecule.
The cryptophycin-ADCs will be evaluated in multiple cancer cell lines and initial results are expected this year.
The collaboration will use insights from Lantern’s recently developed RADR AI ADC module in combination with research from Norbert Sewald, the principal investigator for Bielefeld.
According to the terms of the collaboration, Dr Sewald and his group will synthesise, optimise, and provide initial testing of the cryptophycin-ADCs.
Lantern chief scientific officer Kishor Bhatia said: “Dr Sewald and his group are experts in the synthesis of cryptophycin derivatives and have established the extensive groundwork to support the targeted ADC delivery of cryptophycins.
“By leveraging our RADR platform’s AI ADC development module and partnering with Dr Sewald, we expect to be able to select and advance cryptophycin-ADCs towards the clinic with better targeting and therapeutic efficacy for patients with advanced cancers with limited therapeutic options.”
Lantern Pharma is also receiving an exclusive and worldwide option to license intellectual property (IP) from Bielefeld University related to the collaboration and IP generated from the collaboration.
Once the initial aims are completed, Lantern plans to use its AI ADC development module, which is fully integrated into RADR, to launch multiple ADCs that can use cryptophycins or other payloads.
Lantern Pharma also anticipates using the AI ADC development module in partnership with other academic and industrial partners to create potential ADC candidates for launch into targeted clinical trials.
This AI-guided strategy can reduce the risk in the ADC drug development process while enhancing the creation of effective and targeted ADCs, the biopharmaceutical firm claimed.