Twist Bioscience Corporation (NASDAQ: TWST) has unveiled a significant drug discovery partnership with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan; President and CEO: Gyo Sagara; "Ono") aimed at the development of novel antibodies for treating autoimmune diseases.

Emily M. Leproust, Ph.D., CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience, highlighted Ono's commendable history in antibody candidate development, citing their accomplishments including the impactful anti-PD-1 antibody Opdivo. The collaboration capitalizes on Twist's proficiency in antibody discovery and Ono's drug development experience, holding the potential to deliver groundbreaking treatment options for patients grappling with autoimmune conditions.

Under the agreement's terms, Twist will leverage its Twist Biopharma Solutions Library of Libraries to engage in research activities for the discovery of novel antibodies, targeting specific markers identified by Ono. The Library of Libraries is a comprehensive collection of synthesized antibody libraries based on naturally occurring sequences. These libraries incorporate innovative structural and developability attributes, effectively encompassing a broad spectrum of drug targets. Twist is set to receive research fees, milestone-based compensation linked to clinical and regulatory achievements, as well as royalties tied to product sales. In addition to this, Ono will leverage the scientific acumen of Twist's Biopharma Solutions team and the Premium Project Management services to evaluate new targets and execute extensive discovery campaigns. The responsibility for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of any resultant products from this collaboration will rest with Ono.

Dr. Toichi Takino, Senior Executive Officer / Executive Director, Discovery and Research of Ono, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. He emphasized Ono's dedication to creating biologics, particularly antibodies, to address unmet medical needs across a range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders. The partnership with Twist in the realm of autoimmune diseases is anticipated to yield functional antibodies, capitalizing on Twist's expertise in antibody discovery and its diverse and highly specific antibody libraries.

The collaboration signifies a joint effort to enhance biologics drug discovery, ultimately striving to introduce innovative therapeutic options for patients in need.