Ablynx inks deal with Spirogen to evaluate novel anti-cancer drug conjugate

Ablynx has signed a collaborative agreement with Spirogen to evaluate the potential of a novel anti-cancer drug conjugate.

As part of the deal, both the firms will evaluate anti-cancer drug conjugate by using Spirogen’s proprietary cytotoxic drugs, pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBD), and associated linker technology, with Nanobodies generated using Ablynx’s proprietary technology platform.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Ablynx will provide access to novel nanobodies against a specific, undisclosed cancer target and Spirogen will provide access to its proprietary cytotoxic warheads (PBDs) and conjugation technologies.

Ablynx said following the feasibility phase it will have the option to either in-license Spirogen’s technology or, in collaboration with Spirogen, move development forward with a third party.

The collaboration is expected to last for up to a year initially and both companies will contribute their resources.

Ablynx chief scientific officer Dr Andreas Menrad said the firm will be working with Spirogen to discover and develop novel cancer therapeutics based on both companies’ proprietary technologies.

“Our Nanobodies have the potential to selectively and efficiently deliver Spirogen’s PBD drugs to the site of the tumour. We are very excited about combining our unique and powerful technology with Spirogen’s novel cytotoxic agents to search for breakthrough opportunities in oncology,” Menrad added.