Synthetic Biologics is giving Intrexon $3.6 million worth of its shares as part of a second exclusive collaboration, through which the firm will use Intrexon’s technologies to develop monoclonal antibodies against initially three, but potentially five, different infectious diseases. Synthetic Biologics and Intrexon’s initial collaboration is focused on the development and commercialization of a DNA-based therapeutic for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Under terms of the new deal Synthetic Biologics will have broad access to Intrexon’s full suite of technologies, including its core UltraVector™ platform for the design, construction, and testing of genetic components, mAbLogix™ platform for in vitro B-cell library production, Laser-enabled analysis and processing™ (LEAP™) cell processing station, and genome/protein engineering expertise. The addition of the $3.6 million worth of shares to Intrexon’s existing holding in the firm will give it an 18% stake in Synthetic Biologics.
“Intrexon has state-of-the art technologies and efficient processes that have tremendous potential for the production of a broad spectrum of fully human antibodies,” remarks Jeffrey Riley, Synthetic Biologics’ CEO. “This expanded relationship gives us access to this paradigm-changing platform.”
The latest Synthetic Biologics agreement is the second for Intrexon this month. Last week the firm inked an exclusive research collaboration with BioLife Cell Bank, focused on leveraging Intrexon’s technologies to develop autologous, genetically modified stem cell therapeutics for spinal muscular atrophy. And a few weeks earlier the firm inked an alliance with Oragenics through which the latter intends to develop broad spectrum lantibiotic candidates against infectious diseases in humans and companion animals.