[October 26, 2016] |
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Nordic Nanovector and Heidelberg Pharma enter collaboration to develop novel antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting leukaemias
Nordic Nanovector ASA (OSE: NANO), announces it has entered into a
collaboration with Heidelberg Pharma GmbH, a subsidiary of
biopharmaceutical company WILEX AG (FSE: WL6) specializing in the
development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), to develop novel ADCs
for treating leukaemias. Leukaemias are orphan diseases with a
significant unmet medical need, applicable indications representing a
growing market worth over USD 5 billion by 2020.
This collaboration is part of Nordic Nanovector's strategy to develop
its pipeline of targeted therapies to include antibody products
conjugated to anti-cancer compounds that are not radionuclides. Such
conjugates are commonly referred to as ADCs.
Jostein Dahle, Nordic Nanovector's Chief Scientific Officer, commented:
"We are pleased to further expand our R&D activities into the ADC (News - Alert) area
with Heidelberg Pharma in this second strategic collaboration, following
closely the collaboration announced recently with LegoChem. During the
past year, we have made important steps to execute our strategy designed
to build a pipeline of innovative antibody-radionuclide conjugates
(ARCs) and ADCs that combine our expertise and platform with
complementary technologies from expert partners. This strategy is aimed
at creating multiple new targeted treatment options for patients who
suffer a range of leukaemias and lymphomas."
Professor Dr Andreas Pahl, Head of Research & Development and member of
the Management Board of WILEX and Heidelberg Pharma, commented: "This
project extends our portfolio of ADCs to further haematological cancers.
Nordic Nanovector has an established chemistry, manufacturing, and
controls (CMC) process for their antibody which will speed up processes
and reduce the development costs of an ADC."
About Nordic Nanovector: Nordic Nanovector is a biotech company
focusing on the development and commercialisation of novel targeted
therapeutics in haematology and oncology. The Company's lead
clinical-stage product opportunity is Betalutin®, the first in a new
class of Antibody-Radionuclide-Conjugates (ARC) designed to improve upon
and complement current options for the treatment of non-Hodgkin ymphoma
(NHL). NHL is an indication with substantial unmet medical need and
orphan drug opportunities, representing a growing market worth over $12
billion by 2018. Betalutin® comprises a tumour-seeking anti-CD37
antibody, lilotomab (previously referred to as HH1), conjugated to a low
intensity radionuclide (lutetium-177). The preliminary data has shown
promising efficacy and safety profile in an ongoing Phase 1/2 study in a
difficult-to-treat NHL patient population. The Company is aiming at
developing Betalutin® for the treatment of major types of NHL with first
regulatory submission anticipated in 1H 2019. Nordic Nanovector intends
to retain marketing rights and to actively participate in the
commercialisation of Betalutin® in core markets, while exploring
potential distribution agreements in selected geographies. The Company
is committed to developing its ARC pipeline to treat multiple selected
cancer indications. Further information about the Company can be found
at www.nordicnanovector.com
This information is subject to the disclose requirements pursuant to
section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
About WILEX and Heidelberg Pharma's proprietary ATAC technology: WILEX
AG is a biopharmaceutical company based in Munich, Germany, that serves
as a parent and holding company. The Company's research and development
work is conducted by its subsidiary, Heidelberg Pharma GmbH in
Ladenburg. Heidelberg Pharma is focused on developing an innovative ADC
technology platform based on the compound Amanitin (ATAC technology) and
also provides preclinical drug research and development services.
Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) combine the high affinity and
specificity of antibodies with the potency of cytotoxic small molecules
for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. ATACs are ADCs
that are bound to highly potent amatoxin molecules. Amatoxins are small
bicyclic peptides naturally occurring in the death cap mushroom. They
inhibit mRNA transcription by binding to RNA polymerase II, a mechanism
that is crucial for the survival of eukaryotic cells. In preclinical
testing, ATACs have been shown to be highly efficacious, overcoming
frequently encountered resistance mechanisms and combatting even
quiescent tumor cells. Heidelberg Pharma is working on several ATAC
candidates with industry partners as well as on its own ATAC pipeline.
The lead candidate HDP-101, a BCMA ATAC, has been selected for the
preclinical and clinical development in multiple myeloma, the third most
common hematologic cancer. WILEX has diagnostic and therapeutic Phase
III drug candidates, which are available for out-licensing. WILEX is
listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange: ISIN DE000A11QVV0 / WKN A11QVV /
Symbol WL6. More information is available at www.wilex.com
and www.heidelberg-pharma.com.
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View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161025006905/en/
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