CMC Biologics, a contract biopharmaceutical manufacturing and development organization, has executed an agreement with RuiYi Inc. to develop a cell line for RYI-008, a novel anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody. CMC Biologics’ proprietary CHEF1 high-productivity expression plasmid will be utilized for the cell line development to optimize cell growth, and consistent, high-level protein expression in a rapid time frame. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

"We are excited to work with CMC Biologics, a global contract manufacturing organization known for its technical excellence in biopharmaceutical development and cGMP manufacturing," said Paul Grayson, president and CEO of RuiYi. “The integrated services, including cell line development using the proprietary CHEF1 system, along with CMC’s responsive and collaborative interactive style made CMC Biologics the obvious partner for this important global effort.”

"We are pleased with the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with RuiYi on the development of RYI-008.  RYI-008 is an antibody with unprecedented potency and remarkable half-life, creating a significant opportunity to be a best in class product in the rapidly evolving field of IL-6 biology,” said Mark Sawicki, PhD, global vice president, Business Development of CMC Biologics. “This agreement underscores our strategic focus on biologics development in emerging markets."

CMC Biologics is a dedicated contract biopharmaceutical manufacturing and development organization with facilities in Copenhagen, Denmark and Seattle, Washington, USA. CMC Biologics specializes in custom services for scale up and cGMP manufacture of protein-based therapeutics for preclinical, clinical trials, and inmarket production.

RuiYi is focused on the discovery and development of novel biologic therapeutics that meet the medical and commercial needs for China’s patients and healthcare system and that have the potential to be disruptive globally.