PRINCETON, N.J. and KAWASAKI, Kanagawa, Japan, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- BioWa, Inc. and OncoTherapy Science, Inc. today announced that the two companies have entered into a collaboration to identify and develop cancer- focused monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). OncoTherapy Science will employ its technology for identification of the cancer antigens and generation of Mabs against those antigens, and BioWa will apply its POTELLIGENT(TM) technology to the Mabs for the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The collaboration is expected to create antibody therapeutics with improved biological properties targeting newly discovered membrane antigens. Under this collaboration, BioWa and OncoTherapy Science will carry out research and development activities collaboratively and will share profits gained from future antibody products.
“We are pleased to be working with OncoTherapy Science,” said Dr. Nobuo Hanai, President and CEO of BioWa. “Our partnership with OncoTherapy Science gives us the opportunities to strengthen our portfolio for ADCC-enhanced Mab programs.”
“We are delighted to announce our collaboration with BioWa, who is highly experienced in research and development of Mabs,” stated Mr. Kensuke Tomita, President and CEO of OncoTherapy Science. “Combining two companies’ expertise will build an excellent foundation for a productive partnership.”
About POTELLIGENT(TM) Technology
ADCC activity is an important function of the human immune system, whereby immune cells can kill target cells, e.g. cancer cells. ADCC activity is one mechanism of some already launched anticancer therapeutic antibodies on the market today. Enhancement of this activity is in the spotlight as one promising possibility for the next generation of antibody technology.
POTELLIGENT(TM) Technology involves the reduction of the amount of fucose in the carbohydrate structure of an antibody using a proprietary fucosyltransferase-knockout host cell line as a production cell. Research shows that POTELLIGENT(TM) technology significantly enhances ADCC activity of an antibody in vitro, thereby increasing the potency and efficacy of such antibody in vivo.
About BioWa
BioWa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co, Ltd., Japan’s leading pharmaceutical and largest biotech company, and is the exclusive worldwide licensor of POTELLIGENT(TM) technology, which creates high ADCC monoclonal antibodies. Currently, BioWa is developing ADCC enhanced monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics to fight cancer and other life- threatening and debilitating diseases and both BioWa and Kyowa have POTELLIGENT(TM) antibody products in various clinical stages. BioWa creates and develops enhanced ADCC antibodies for itself and others, offering a full range of antibody discovery and development capabilities. For more information about BioWa visit its web site at http://www.biowa.com.
About OncoTherapy Science, Inc.
OncoTherapy Science is an innovative genomics-based Japanese company with a mission to target unmet medical needs in the field of oncology and related diseases. In collaboration with Prof. Yusuke Nakamura, Head of the Human Genome Center, Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo University, OncoTherapy Science has carried out exhaustive gene expression analysis for nearly all of the cancers and has already identified a number of cancer-specific proteins ideal for many cancer drugs’ development. Using its asset of cancer-specific proteins, OncoTherapy Science has also been positively performing drug discovery research of cancer vaccines and antibody therapeutics and has created drug candidates for use in clinical trials.
For more information about OncoTherapy Science visit its web site at http://www.oncotherapy.co.jp.
POTELLIGENT(TM) is the trademark of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. All rights are reserved.
BioWa, Inc.
CONTACT: Nobuo Hanai, Ph.D., President and CEO, +1-609-580-7500, x7501, orMartina Molsbergen, Senior Director, Business Development, +1-609-580-7500,x7506, both of BioWa, Inc.; or Kensuke Tomita, President and CEO,+1-81-44-820-8251, or Yuichi Nishijima, General Manager, Management &Controlling, +1-81-44-820-8251, both of OncoTherapy Science, Inc.
