- Abzena has granted Orion an exclusive commercial license to a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting a cancer with high unmet clinical need.
- The antibody was developed using Abzena’s CHAb™ and AbZelectPRO™ platforms, supporting cell line development, manufacturability, and downstream GMP production up to 2,000 L.
Abzena, a UK- and US-based CDMO for complex biologics, has announced that Orion has obtained an exclusive license to one of its monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting a cancer with high unmet clinical need. The collaboration is intended to strengthen Orion’s oncology-focused drug research and development (R&D) pipeline.
The antibody was designed at Abzena’s Cambridge, UK, early-phase R&D facility using the Composite Human Antibody (CHAb™) technology. Abzena’s integrated developability platform screened potential candidates for functionality, safety, and manufacturability, resulting in a lead antibody designed to mitigate downstream development risks. Leveraging the AbZelectPRO™ cell line development (CLD) platform, Abzena generated a highly stable and productive manufacturing cell line for the antibody.
“We are delighted to have partnered with Orion on the design and development of our CHAb-designed mAb to support their extensive oncology-focused Research and Development pipeline. Using our uniquely integrated developability approach along with our streamlined AbZelectPRO™ CLD platform, we were able to design a de-risked lead antibody that offers Orion’s program the best chances of success in the clinic.”
Campbell Bunce, Chief Scientific Officer of Abzena
The licensing agreement allows Abzena to support the antibody program through its facilities in Cambridge, UK, and San Diego, CA, USA. Downstream process development and GMP manufacturing will take place in the US, with production scales reaching up to 2,000 liters, offering a full end-to-end contract manufacturing solution.
Antti Haapalinna, Vice President, External Science and Partnering, R&D, Orion Corporation, added: “We are very satisfied with the excellent and transparent collaboration and the results it has delivered in our common antibody program.” Abzena brings over 20 years of experience in designing, developing, and manufacturing monoclonal antibody programs, providing integrated solutions for both early-phase and commercial biologics development.
