ThromboGenics and BioInvent Awarded Grant for New Class of Antiangiogenesis Agents

ThromboGenics and BioInvent International received a EUR2-million grant from the EU for the joint development of a new class of antiangiogenesis agents. These agents will be based on antibodies against placental growth factor (PlGF).
"Our preclinical studies to date have shown that the inhibition of PlGF provides benefits that could alter the landscape of antiangiogenic therapy,” remarks Desire Collen, CEO and chairman of ThromboGenics. “The grant will help accelerate and expand our development efforts as we move toward the clinic."

The EU’s financial support will extend over two years. The companies will concentrate on the further development of the antibody-based product candidate TB-403 for treatment of tumors, inflammation, and eye disease. ThromboGenics reports that the first stages in the toxicology program for this candidate have begun.

The research will be conducted within the ANGIOSTOP consortium that will also comprise of the University of Leuven (VIB Center for Transgene Technology and Gene Therapy and Department of Hepatology and Gastroentrology), University Medicine Berlin, and Cardiff University.