Subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma contracts Celonic

Contract contains antibody cell line development and antibody production

28-Sep-2016 - Germany

Wilex AG, announced that its subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma, has signed an agreement with Celonic AG, Basel, Switzerland, a specialist in the development and manufacturing of biologics (CDMO). This agreement includes cell line development and the production of non-GMP and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) batches of antibody material to be used in the manufacture of clinical material of Heidelberg Pharma’s first ATAC (Antibody Targeted Amanitin Conjugate) candidate HDP-101 to treat multiple myeloma.

HDP-101, an antibody drug conjugate, combines a BCMA antibody that specifically recognizes a highly expressed target on malignant plasma cells with a linker and the chemically coupled toxic payload Amanitin for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma. BCMA antibodies were originally developed by the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin and then adapted for the proprietary ATAC technology of Heidelberg Pharma. Based on promising preclinical data, Heidelberg Pharma has decided to further advance HDP-101 into IND-enabling studies. Multiple myeloma is the third most common and often incurable hematologic malignancy with a significant unmet medical need for this patient population.

Professor Andreas Pahl, Head of Research & Development and member of the Management Board of WILEX and Heidelberg Pharma, commented: “With this contract, Heidelberg Pharma starts the cooperation with different partners involved in developing and manufacturing ATACs towards clinical application. We are pleased to work with Celonic, which offers cell lines that are proven to be particularly robust and efficient and are also suited to GMP processes.”

Vikalp Mohan, Vice President Global Commercial Operations at Celonic mentioned: “Celonic is excited to partner with Heidelberg Pharma as it prepares for the clinical development of its first ATAC candidate. The development and production of this antibody requires an excellent development platform, process efficiency and proven manufacturing expertise. This is exactly what Celonic stands for. We are committed to supporting Wilex AG in achieving its project objectives.”

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous