Nordic Nanovector and LegoChem Biosciences enter into collaboration
pharmafile | October 11, 2016 | News story | Manufacturing and Production |
The Norwegian company Nordic Nanovector and the South Korean company LegoChem Biosciences have begun a collaboration to develop novel CD37-targeting antibody-drug conjugates (ADCS) for the treatment of leukaemias.
Nordic Nanovector has a focus on developing innovative Antibody Radionuclide Conjugates (ARC) targeting haematological cancers while LegoChem Biosciences are a biopharmaceutical company.
In statement released upon the collaboration Jostein Dahle, Nordic Nanovector’s Chief Scientific Officer, commented: “We are delighted to expand our R&D activities into the ADC area, a strategic and natural progression for us given our expertise in antibodies and the prevalence of the CD37 antigen on many tumour cell types. We believe that anti-CD37 ADCs will have clinical characteristics that are beneficial for treating a range of haematological malignancies. Our strategy to build a pipeline of innovative antibody-radionuclide conjugates (ARCs) and ADCs based on our expertise and platform, and in collaboration with expert partners such as LegoChem, is aimed at creating multiple new product opportunities bringing new targeted treatments to patients.”
While, Jeiwook Chae, Chief Business Development Officer of LegoChem, explained the decision to collaborate by saying: “We strongly believe that our proprietary conjugation platform addresses significant unmet needs of current ADC technologies. With Nordic Nanovector’s deep expertise in antibodies and commitment to develop novel therapeutics, we are confident that we will further enrich the pipeline of next-generation ADCs and achieve our goals of advancing the landscape of cancer treatment and providing new clinical options for cancer patients.”
The treatment of leukaemias is a growing market and both companies hope to be able to expand into this market early. There is a projected value of this particular area being worth $5 billion by 2024.
Ben Hargreaves
