On May 14, 2024 Icosagen, a CRDMO with expertise in innovative antibody research and production, reported a strategic partnership on selected projects with Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), a translational drug discovery organization tapping on a broad network in academia and industry (Press release, Icosagen Cell Factory, MAY 14, 2024, View Source [SID1234643223]). This alliance is focused on the discovery of monoclonal antibody portfolios targeting therapeutically relevant proteins, including a pivotal G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), which are often challenging to address.
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Scope of Collaboration
Antibody-based inhibitors have gained relevance in the field of drug discovery due to their exceptional affinity, selectivity and physicochemical properties. Within this collaboration, Icosagen will generate, identify, and discover potent antibodies against innovative and therapeutically relevant targets, supplying them to LDC for further development.
Utilizing its proprietary technology, Icosagen will produce the proteins of interest and enhance their display on the surface of virus-like particles, which serve as vehicles for the production of antibodies with affinity for the targets. Subsequently, an extensive library will be established to facilitate the selection of high-affinity monoclonal antibodies, which will undergo further analysis at LDC through a streamlined process of high-throughput screening. This partnership highlights Icosagen’s capability to scale its proprietary platforms and synergize effectively with LDC’s workflow.
"Partnering with LDC will further help expand the opportunities for antibody therapeutics, especially in the challenging field of GPCR-targeted treatments" said professor Mart Ustav, CEO of Icosagen. "This will not only highlight our technological expertise but also perfectly aligns with our mission to transform scientific discoveries into life-changing treatments."
"We are excited to partner up with Icosagen, a competent and highly experienced player in the field of antibody research" remarked Bert Klebl, CEO and CSO of LDC. "This project will greatly benefit from Icosagen´s expertise and state-of-the-art capabilities as we pursue our shared goal: the development of novel therapeutics that can make a meaningful difference in healthcare."
Future Prospects
LDC takes on promising early-stage projects from academia and transforms them into innovative pharmaceutical leads and antibodies that reach initial proof-of-concept in animals as well as candidate nomination. In close collaboration with high-profile partners from research and industry, LDC is building a strong and growing portfolio of small molecule and antibody leads with exceptional medical and commercial potential.
The partnership between Icosagen and LDC holds promise in advancing targeted therapeutics, with the potential to revolutionize treatment approaches and improve outcomes for patients worldwide. The successful development of these monoclonal antibodies is anticipated to significantly advance the understanding and treatment of diseases.