Adelaide-based CAR-T biotherapeutics company Carina Biotech has announced a co-development agreement with immuno-oncology company Glytherix it says could result in a promising new therapy that is effective in killing a range of cancers.
Glytherix is developing its proprietary antibody miltuximab for the targeted treatment of a number of cancers. Miltuximab is specific for GPC-1, a protein found in solid tumours such as prostate, bladder, pancreatic, glioblastoma, oesophageal and ovarian cancers, and is not present in healthy tissue.
Under the agreement with Glytherix, Carina will use its CAR-T development platform to create and optimise a library of CAR-T cells targeted at GPC-1, creating jointly owned intellectual property.
This is Carina's second recent commercial deal. It recently sold the rights to its first CAR-T cell to UK-based biopharmaceutical company Biosceptre.
According to Dr Deborah Rathjen, CEO of Carina Biotech, “We are delighted to have partnered with Glytherix, a company that shares our vision of defeating cancer. Carina Biotech has substantial experience in creating potent, targeted CAR-T cell-based therapies. Combining our knowledge and expertise, we believe will lead to the identification of a GPC-1-targeted CAR-T cell that is effective in killing a range of cancers.”
Dr Brad Walsh, CEO of GlyTherix said, “We are excited to commence our CAR-T development program with Carina Biotech, whose expertise, track record and experienced management made it an easy choice. We are looking forward to working together on this unique target with a view to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients, particularly those with currently limited treatment options.”