Iontas, Adaptate Biotherapeutics Collaborate to Generate Optimized Antibodies for Cancer Targets

Iontas has entered into a collaboration agreement with Adaptate Biotherapeutics for the generation and optimization of antibodies for novel immune-oncology targets, it was revealed in a Dec. 3, 2019 press release.

As per the terms of the agreement, Adaptate Biotherapeutics will gain access to Iontas’ proprietary Mammalian Display technology for the selection of antibodies with optimal biophysical properties. Ultimately, as a result of the optimized selection of antibodies, the transition through chemistry, manufacturing, and controls as well as eventual manufacturing should be facilitated. 

“This collaboration is further validation of our platform, including our Mammalian Display technology, and adds to an expanding portfolio of partners that enjoy the benefit of combining selection for affinity with developability during the initial steps of drug discovery,” said John McCafferty, founder and chief executive officer of Iontas, in the press release. “Subsequently, the resulting panels of ‘developable’ antibodies facilitate manufacture and reduce the risk of delays and potential product failure by detecting and avoiding problematic clones at the outset. Our aim is to ensure the right lead is selected first time, every time.”

Natalie Mount, CEO of Adaptate Biotherapeutics, added, “Iontas has developed an impressive track record in delivering therapeutic antibodies. We selected them as our partner because of their extensive experience in overcoming antibody project challenges using their industry-leading platforms. We anticipate that the combination of Iontas’ antibody discovery capabilities and our innovative approach to gamma delta T cell-targeted therapeutics will facilitate the accelerated entry of our oncology portfolio to the clinic.”

Source: Iontas