BioWa and Aphton Collaborate on Next-Generation Antibody Technology

Strategic Insights -

BioWa, a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., and Aphton Corporation have announced a licensing agreement for the use of BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology to develop a next-generation Lewis Y-specific antibody, IGN312. This collaboration aims to create an antibody with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, which can effectively destroy tumor cells. BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology has shown significant potential in increasing ADCC activity in vitro and in vivo.

Key Takeaways:

  • BioWa has granted a non-exclusive license to Aphton's subsidiary, Igeneon, to use POTELLIGENT technology for the development of IGN312, a humanized monoclonal Lewis Y-specific antibody.
  • Aphton plans to use BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology to develop a next-generation Lewis Y-specific antibody with enhanced ADCC activity.
  • BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology has the potential to increase the ADCC activity of an antibody, resulting in greater capacity to destroy tumor cells.
  • IGN312 is designed to target a broad range of carcinomas, including breast, colon, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.
  • The licensing agreement is intended to strengthen Aphton's pipeline and advance the development of IGN312.
  • BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology has shown significant potential in increasing ADCC activity in vitro and in vivo.
  • Aphton currently has a product, Insegia, in clinical development, which targets the hormone gastrin 17 to treat gastrointestinal cancers.

Statistics:

  • Up to 90% of all epithelial cancers express Lewis Y carbohydrate antigen.
  • BioWa's POTELLIGENT technology has the potential to increase ADCC activity by 2-10 fold.
  • The global antibody therapeutics market is expected to reach $145.3 billion by 2021.
  • Aphton Corporation has a pipeline of promising product candidates, including IGN312 and Insegia.

Sources:

  • BioWa Press Release, "BioWa Announces Licensing Agreement with Aphton Corporation" (date not specified)
  • Aphton Corporation Website, "About Aphton" (date not specified)
  • BioWa Website, "About POTELLIGENT Technology" (date not specified)