On January 8, 2021 Elthera AG, iCellate Medical AB, Targos GmbH and Prof. Dr. Susanne Sebens at the Institute of Experimental Cancer Research (IET) at the University of Kiel reported that they have received a non-dilutive grant with a total budget of 2.7 M € from the EUREKA Eurostars programme (Press release, Elthera, JAN 8, 2021, View Source [SID1234573690]). The grant will allow the consortium to finalize the preclinical development of Elthera’s proprietary anti-L1CAM antibody and to develop novel L1CAM-based solid and liquid biopsy methods for patient selection and treatment monitoring in clinical trials. The consortium partners bring together a unique set of complementary cutting-edge technologies and a track record in the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Elthera AG (Schlieren, Switzerland) will develop its anti-L1CAM therapy to an IND ready stage and will deliver a translational pharmacology package, which will facilitate entry into clinical trials. The consortium partners iCellate (Solna, Sweden) and Targos GmbH (Kassel, Germany), will develop L1CAM-specific liquid (blood-based) and solid (tumor-based) biopsy methods, respectively. The group of Prof. Dr. Susanne Sebens at the IET (Kiel, Germany) will provide access to primary samples from cancer patients and will evaluate the potential of the anti-L1CAM therapy to be combined with established chemo- and immunotherapies.
Schedule your 30 min Free 1stOncology Demo!
Discover why more than 1,500 members use 1stOncology™ to excel in:
Early/Late Stage Pipeline Development - Target Scouting - Clinical Biomarkers - Indication Selection & Expansion - BD&L Contacts - Conference Reports - Combinatorial Drug Settings - Companion Diagnostics - Drug Repositioning - First-in-class Analysis - Competitive Analysis - Deals & Licensing
Schedule Your 30 min Free Demo!
Anne Schmidt, CEO of Elthera, commented: "We are very happy that we could attract such outstanding industry and academic experts for this exciting project. The combination of research excellence in the field of L1CAM biology, innovative diagnostic technologies, and access to primary patient samples will build the foundation for the successful translation of our anti-L1CAM therapy into clinical testing."
Christer Ericsson, CSO of iCellate, said: "Immunotherapies against cancer, such as the anti L1-CAM therapy for pancreatic and ovarian cancer developed by Elthera, have the potential to cure the disease by eradicating the cancer cells. We are pleased to have been given the opportunity to develop the blood-sample based companion diagnostic test that will guide the therapy so that only those patients who will benefit are treated."
Thomas Henkel, CEO of Targos commented: "It is exciting to be involved in the early phase of development towards a predictive biomarker or companion diagnostic for anti-L1CAM therapy. Targos can contribute its experience in clinical validation of tissue biomarkers and within the consortium we will compare it to the blood-sample based approach on a scientific evidence basis."
Prof. Susanne Sebens, Director of IET, said: "We are very excited to be part of this innovative project at the interface of industry and science. With this project we ideally continue our longstanding translational research activities in the field of L1CAM biology."