SAN DIEGO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Abzena, the global biologics gene to GMP partner research organization,
announced it has signed an agreement to support an integrated CMC
program with Lipum, a company developing treatments for chronic
inflammatory diseases.
Abzena will support Lipum’s anti-BSSL antibody IND program to help
develop a novel therapeutic option for autoimmune inflammatory diseases,
including juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The 18-month program includes:
development of a research cell bank using Abzena’s proprietary cell line
and ambr® 15 automated high throughput bioreactors, generation of master
cell banks, scale up using an ambr® 250 during process development,
followed by cGMP manufacturing in Sartorius 500 L single use stirred
tank bioreactors for clinical material. The work will take place at
Abzena’s sites in Cambridge, UK and San Diego, USA.
Jonathan Goldman, CEO of Abzena, said:
“Autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as juvenile idiopathic
arthritis represent significant unmet medical need. We are delighted
to leverage our expertise and integrated capabilities to accelerate the
timeline to first in man evaluation. Lipum is an innovative science
driven organization with visionary leadership and I am personally very
excited about the potential for anti-BSSL therapeutics to transform
patient outcomes.”
Einar Pontén, CEO of Lipum, said:
“A lead drug candidate has been selected, so this is an exciting step
in Lipum’s development. Our antibody is directed towards a novel target
protein and will meet a significant medical need. It is essential to
have such a competent partner as Abzena. We have a very positive
impression of both their resources and staff. It will be stimulating to
work with them.”