Oxford BioTherapeutics, an international biotechnology company focused on the development of innovative antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, has obtained the exclusive global rights to certain Xenomouse antibodies generated by Amgen and to ImmunoGen's maytansinoid ADC technology for an undisclosed target.
The rights were granted under the existing strategic collaboration between Oxford BioTherapeutics and Amgen. Oxford BioTherapeutics intends to use the antibodies and ADC technology to develop a novel ADC targeting a protein in HER2-negative breast cancer, initially focusing on triple negative breast cancer, and other cancers, where the target is expressed. The target was identified using the company's OGAP discovery technology.
ADCs are a revolutionary new approach to cancer treatment. By harnessing the ability of monoclonal antibodies to bind to specific cell proteins, they deliver potent toxins directly to cancer cells. ADCs target proteins that are highly expressed on cancer cell membranes rather than normal cells thereby achieving greater therapeutic efficacy while sparing normal tissue.
Oxford BioTherapeutics' pipeline of ADCs is based on novel targets, discovered with its OGAP technology, combined with proprietary antibody and cancer toxin technologies brought together through a series of collaborations with leading companies in the field. The pipeline incorporates a fully human antibody generated using Amgen's Xenomouse technology, combined with one of ImmunoGen's maytansinoid cancer-killing agents, which have been used in a recently approved ADC targeting HER2-positive breast cancer. This novel antibody-based cancer therapy has completed in vivo proof-of-concept in several solid and liquid tumor models and exploratory toxicology testing, and is currently undergoing preparation for an IND application.
Dr Christian Rohlff, Oxford BioTherapeutics' CEO, said, "Obtaining these global rights represents a further strategic milestone for Oxford BioTherapeutics, as we complete our transition into a fully-fledged antibody-based cancer therapy business. By combining these antibodies and antibody 'arming' technology with our unique cancer target, we have the opportunity to develop an important new treatment for women with triple negative breast cancer who currently have limited therapeutic options."