immuno-oncology Archives - Medical Design Sourcing

Lonza and ABL Bio partner on bispecific antibody development for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative diseases

Lonza (LON:0QNO) and South Korea-based ABL Bio (KOSDAQ:298380) have joined forces to accelerate bispecific antibody development for immuno-oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. Over email, Basel, Switzerland–headquartered Lonza noted that its experience with novel molecular formats enables the company to handle ABL Bio’s unique challenges.

In the partnership, Lonza will provide submission-ready chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) data for investigational new drugs (INDs), explained Andrew Brown, Lonza’s head of global process development support. “Leveraging more than three decades of expertise and innovative technologies, we provide an integrated drug substance and drug product program,” Brown said. “Thanks to our experience with new molecular formats, we know how to handle [ABL Bio’s] specific challenges.”

In the domain of bispecific antibody development, Lonza supports customers with problem-solving aiming…

Takeda plans to acquire GammaDelta for its solid tumor drug pipeline

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. (TSE:4502/NYSE:TAK) is moving forward with its plan to acquire its collaborator GammaDelta Therapeutics Ltd. (London).

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. Takeda projects that the deal will close in the first quarter of its fiscal year, which will end on June 30, 2022.

The acquisition would bolster Takeda’s immuno-oncology and immunotherapy portfolio, given GammaDelta’s experience working with gamma delta (γδ) T cells as potential therapies for solid tumors hematological malignancies.

GammaDelta had developed allogeneic variable delta 1 (Vδ1) gamma-delta (γδ) T cell therapy platforms. Those platforms encompass blood-derived and tissue-derived cells.

“We’re committed to developing cell therapies that will have an impact on large segments of patients by focusing on off-the-shelf, allogeneic cell therapies that are highly accessible and have the potential to address solid tumors,” Christopher…

Biotech Agenus acquires 120 acres in biomanufacturing center in California

Agenus (Lexington, Mass.) has purchased 120 acres in the California Biomanufacturing Center located in Vacaville near Sacramento.

Agenus specializes in immuno-oncology products, which span checkpoint antibodies, cell therapies, vaccines and adjuvants.

Agenus purchased the parcels from A.G. Spanos, a housing developer.

Vacaville is aiming to spur the growth of its biotech industry. Currently, the largest biotech hubs in the state are in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.

“We are excited to expand our manufacturing and process research capabilities in Vacaville as we contemplate the commercialization of our exciting pipeline of high-tech cancer treatments,” said Garo Armen, CEO of Agenus, in a statement. “The city of Vacaville is a true partner with their commitment; Vacaville’s close proximity to talent and its high quality of life offerings were amongst the key considerations in our decision.”

Vacaville, a city of approxima…