Stelis Biopharma, the erstwhile Agila Biotech, a subsidiary of Strides Arcolab Limited, focused on biotherapeutic drug development and bio-manufacturing, and Pieris AG, a next generation therapeutic protein R&D company, announced the initiation of a long-term collaboration for clinical development and commercialization of multiple novel Anticalin-based protein therapeutics worldwide, primarily focusing on ophthalmology.

The alliance deploys the synergies of Pieris’ innovative drug discovery and early development capabilities with Stelis’ strong bio-manufacturing and clinical development expertise. Under the terms of the agreement, Pieris will advance each collaborative program through in vivo proof of concept, at which stage Stelis will be responsible for drug manufacturing and advancing the molecule through a first-in-human clinical study.  Following positive clinical data, the parties will co-develop programs under a joint venture.

Dr Anand Iyer, CEO of Stelis commented, “Our alliance with Pieris demonstrates how Stelis’strategic investments into state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are attracting partners with cutting edge biologics such as Anticalins, which hold great promise in the ophthalmic space.”

“Today’s announcement is another example of how Pieris is finding innovative structures and committed partners to advance several Anticalins to the clinic in areas of high unmet need.  Our strategic relationship with Stelis provides access to bio-manufacturing capabilities of the highest standard, yet in a very cost-effective manner, said Stephen Yoder, CEO, Pieris.

Stelis Biopharma is a wholly owned subsidiary of Strides Arcolab Limited, India. Stelis Biopharma (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, formerly Agila Biotech (Malaysia) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stelis Biopharma Private Limited, India. Now Stelis is constructing an advanced R&D in Bengaluru to research, and develop bio-therapeutic drugs and devices including, but not limited to, biosimilars, bio-betters, NBEs, novel formulations and drug loaded devices. The Company is also building a state-of-the-art, fully integrated manufacturing facility at Bio-Xcell’s biotechnology park in Nusajaya, within the Iskandar region of Johor, Malaysia for the manufacture of biotherapeutics and devices.

Pieris AG is an independent, clinical-staged biotechnology company advancing its proprietary Anticalin technology to create differentiated drugs that are safer and more effective than conventional approaches.  Exclusive to Pieris, Anticalins promise to address high-unmet medical needs and expand the potential of targeted therapeutics. The company currently has a diverse proprietary pipeline and has, in addition to Stelis, ongoing R&D collaborations with Daiichi Sankyo, the Sanofi Group, Zydus Cadila and Allergan.