105AD7 will allow use of a fully humanized framework for ImmunoBody vaccines.

Cancer Research Technology (CRT) granted Scancell a license to use a human antibody known as 105AD7, which mimics the complement regulatory protein CD55. Scancell may use the mAb for the development of ImmunoBody® vaccines for any immunotherapy indication.

105AD7 was discovered and originally developed at the University of Nottingham with support from Cancer Research UK. It was previously evaluated in clinical trials for osteosarcoma.

Scancell’s current ImmunoBody vaccines use deimmunized antibodies. Lead candidate, SCIB1, is currently in Phase I trials for the treatment of melanoma.105AD7 will allow the company to use a fully humanized framework for the development of future ImmunoBody vaccines.

Under the terms of the agreement Scancell will make an up-front payment to CRT and will also pay milestone fees and royalties on future sales. Scancell will exclusively fund the development work and have sublicensing rights on agreed terms.

Scancell’s ImmunoBodies are engineered to express helper cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes from tumor antigens overexpressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T-cell epitopes from tumor antigens as they have long half-lives and can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of both helper and CTL responses, the company explains.

Previous articleSanofi-Aventis to Fund Personalized Medicine Grants for Scripps Researchers
Next articleNabi Scores Another $8M from GSK under MRSA Vaccine Deal