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Aphton and BioWa Collaborate on Next-Generation Anti-Cancer Antibody

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Aphton Corporation and BioWa, Inc. have announced a partnership to develop a next-generation anti-cancer antibody, IGN312, utilizing BioWa's POTELLIGENT(TM) technology. This technology, which reduces the amount of fucose in the carbohydrate structure of an antibody, has been shown to significantly enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity in vitro and in vivo. ADCC is a critical function of the human immune system in killing tumor cells, and the enhanced activity of POTELLIGENT(TM) technology has the potential to lead to greater tumor cell killing activity.

Key Takeaways:

  • BioWa has granted a non-exclusive license to Aphton's subsidiary, Igeneon, to use POTELLIGENT(TM) technology for the development of IGN312, a humanized monoclonal Lewis Y-specific antibody.
  • Aphton plans to use this technology to develop a next-generation Lewis Y-specific antibody with enhanced ADCC activity.
  • IGN312 targets the Lewis Y antigen, expressed in up to 90% of all epithelial cancers, including breast, colon, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.
  • The POTELLIGENT(TM) technology has the potential to result in a greater capacity to destroy tumor cells by enhancing ADCC activity.
  • Aphton's Chairman and CEO, Patrick Mooney, stated that entering into this partnership with BioWa is an important step in the development of promising product candidates to fuel the clinical pipeline.
  • BioWa's POTELLIGENT(TM) technology has the potential to effectively increase the potency of IGN312 as an anti-cancer treatment.
  • The company plans to seek partners to support the further development of Insegia, a product targeting the hormone gastrin 17, in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Aphton is currently in a Phase I/II clinical trial with its current Next-Generation antibody IGN311.

Statistics:

  • 90% of all epithelial cancers express the Lewis Y antigen, making it a valuable target for cancer immunotherapy.
  • The POTELLIGENT(TM) technology has been shown to significantly enhance ADCC activity in vitro and in vivo.
  • Aphton has advanced product, Insegia(TM), targets the hormone gastrin 17, in an attempt to treat gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Aphton is currently in Phase I/II clinical trial with its current next-Generation antibody IGN311.
  • BIOSEA was granted a non-exclusive license to this use the POTELLIGENT Technology for the Development of the next-Generation Ab IGN312.

Sources:

  • BioWa, Inc.
  • Aphton Corporation
  • FHR Consult (http://www.fhrconsult.com)
  • ASIA PULSE 15-02 1613

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