KU Leuven and Finland based, FIT Biotech have entered into a worldwide license and collaboration agreement for the development of novel immunotherapeutics based on FIT Biotech's proprietary Gene Transport Unit (GTU) technology for transient in vivo expression of monoclonal antibodies. The agreement provides KU Leuven with an exclusive worldwide license to six undisclosed proprietary antibodies or marketed recombinant products.

“FIT Biotech continues to apply its platform technology in several therapeutic areas through collaborations and its own research and business development,” said Kalevi Reijonen, CEO and president, FIT Biotech Ltd. “This agreement reflects our strategy to maximize the value of our technology by partnering with companies or universities that have a unique expertise to drive the development of promising vaccines or immunotherapeutics.”

“We are extremely delighted to collaborate with FIT Biotech and build further on their powerful technology platform,” said Nick Geukens, research manager of PharmAbs, the KU Leuven antibody centre. “Our R&D programme meets the clear need for more selective and effective management strategies to combat nosocomial infections and cancer. By commercializing our R&D programs we ultimately aim to establish a new, fully-dedicated Flemish spin-off company that will be responsible for (pre)clinical development and marketing of the generated products.”

FIT Biotech is an innovative medical biotechnology company engaged in the development and commercialisation of its proprietary Gene Transport Unit (GTU) technology and GTU product applications in DNA vaccination, as well as in immuno- and gene therapies.

KU Leuven is a knowledge nexus in the heart of Europe where cutting-edge research, societal outreach and high-quality education meet.