The University of Texas MD Anderson’s Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation (ORBIT) unit announced a strategic partnership with the company Kymab to discover and develop new drugs to treat several cancers.
The partnership will focus on developing novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and identifying tumor biomarkers for a period of five years. The agreement recognizes the resources and expertise of both partners in complementary fields: MD Anderson’s novel target biology, translational and clinical infrastructure, and clinical datasets; and Kymab’s antibody platform and in-house discovery and development experience to develop products subject to clinical proof of concept and ultimate FDA approval.
Kymab, a biopharmaceutical company leader in human monoclonal antibodies, has developed Kymouse, Kymab’s proprietary human antibody discovery platform, which is able to yield antibodies with highly attractive drug properties.
Kymouse was designed to take full advantage of the diversity of human antibodies produced when responding to immunization with antigens. According to the company, this process guarantees maximum probability of finding rare drug candidates with best-in-class characteristics.
“Together, Kymab and MD Anderson bring power and skills to a partnership committed to efficiency and speed in delivering novel immunotherapies through the use of world-class science. Immuno-oncology is an exceptionally promising field of research and a key focus for Kymab,” David Chiswell, Kymab’s chairman and CEO, said in a press release.
MD Anderson Cancer Center’s ORBIT unit is a platform recently established to advance MD Anderson’s research on novel monoclonal antibodies. ORBIT’s researchers focus on scientific excellence combined with industry standard under the direction of Jeffrey J. Molldrem, M.D., and Michael Curran, Ph.D., and are committed to accelerate and execute the translation of novel discoveries into relevant anti-cancer mAbs.
“These are exciting times for the development of monoclonal antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. This alliance presents a great opportunity to leverage our translational and clinical expertise, and develop innovative antibody drugs vital to helping patients in their fight against cancer,” said Carlo Toniatti, M.D., Ph.D., and the executive director of MD Anderson’s ORBIT unit.
