SOTIO, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company owned by PPF Group, has recently entered into a license and option agreement with Synaffix B.V., a subsidiary of Lonza, to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for treating solid tumors. This collaboration aims to harness Synaffix's ADC technology platform to create up to three novel ADCs targeting various tumor-associated antigens.

Radek Spisek, M.D., Ph.D., CEO of SOTIO, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it will help SOTIO remain at the forefront of solid tumor therapy by leveraging Synaffix's expertise in ADC platform technologies. By combining their proprietary antibodies with Synaffix's ADC technology, they intend to develop innovative ADCs capable of effectively addressing the challenges posed by solid tumors. The deal encompasses Synaffix's GlycoConnect™ and HydraSpace™ technologies, as well as its potent linker-payload platform with multiple payload options.

SOTIO's Chief Scientific Officer, Martin Steegmaier, highlighted how Synaffix's ADC technology complements SOTIO's existing ADC platform, which includes licensed technologies from NBE-Therapeutics (iADC) and LegoChem (ConjuALL). This collaboration will enhance their ability to select the most suitable ADC technology and payload for specific solid tumor indications.

According to the agreement, Synaffix stands to receive upfront payments and potential milestone payments totaling up to $740 million, along with single-digit royalties on net sales. SOTIO will lead the research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADC products, while Synaffix will provide support for research activities and handle the manufacturing of components related to its proprietary GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace™, and linker-payload technologies.

Peter van de Sande, head of Synaffix, expressed confidence in the potential of their ADC technologies to improve the therapeutic effectiveness of ADCs. He looks forward to collaborating with SOTIO, given their strong focus on cancer immunotherapies and robust clinical pipeline, to develop innovative medicines for patients with unmet medical needs.

SOTIO is actively advancing a pipeline of novel ADCs tailored to address specific solid tumor types. Their most advanced ADC program, SOT102, is in Phase 1/2 development, targeting CLDN18.2 for the treatment of cancers such as gastric and pancreatic cancer. The company is conducting dose-finding studies in the monotherapy arm of the trial and has recently initiated the combination therapy arm for first-line treatment of gastric and pancreatic cancer patients. SOTIO also has two other ADC programs in preclinical development.

 

Source: businesswire.com

Report Abuse