Switzerland based Lonza recently entered into a new development and manufacturing agreement with Athera Biotechnologies AB, part of the Karolinska Development AB portfolio, to initiate cell line and process development for Athera’s monoclonal antibody PC-mAb. Athera’s PC-mAb is intended for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome who are at an increased risk of secondary cardiovascular events and death.

This agreement secures a development and cGMP manufacturing plan for Athera. Lonza will initiate cell line and process development, using Lonza’s GS Gene Expression SystemTM.

PC-mAb is a naturally occuring antibodies to phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) and have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent the uptake of oxidised LDL in macrophages. PC-mAb from Athera is currently in pre-clinical development, using a unique fully human monoclonal antibody developed for Athera by Dyax in Boston, US.

PC-mAb is being developed to restore cardio-protective levels of anti-PC and prevent secondary CVD events after acute coronary syndrome. In addition, to this Athera has also developed a biomarker and companion diagnostic CVDefine kit. The biomarker, anti-PC, is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and could in the future be used for identification of patients that benefit from Athera’s novel therapeutics.

“Lonza is pleased to continue our support of emerging biotech companies with this commitment to Athera’s promising pipeline. The PC-mAb project from Athera fits well with Lonza’s core competencies and technical experience,” informed Stephan Kutzer, head, Custom Manufacturing Division, Lonza.

Carina Schmidt, CEO, Athera Biotechnologies, informed, “We are very confident with Lonza as our development partner as they have an excellent track record in the field of monoclonal antibody development.”

Athera has a unique and in-depth understanding of the immunological components in atherosclerosis, the inflammatory process leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The company currently has two biopharmaceutical product candidates aimed at treating patients with cardiovascular conditions and a biomarker linked to the therapeutic approach. Athera, a Swedish company, is part of the Karolinska Development AB.

Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. It is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically.

Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. In addition, Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Furthermore, the company is a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.