- Novel Platform Set to Transform Human Therapeutic Antibody Discovery &Development
arGEN-X, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery anddevelopment of human monoclonal antibodies using its proprietary SIMPLEAntibody(TM) platform, announces that it has been granted the first patentcovering the platform. The patent GB2461546B, has been granted by the UKPatent and Trademark Office (UKPTO).
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The broad granted patent covers arGEN-X's SIMPLE Antibody(TM) technology,which yields gold standard human therapeutic antibodies with an unmatchedfunctional diversity. It also covers arGEN-X's antibody products as well asmethods of generating them. arGEN-X is prosecuting additional patentapplications globally, which when granted will provide the company with anunrivalled IP position in the human antibody space.
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arGEN-X' SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform utilizes the active immunization ofoutbred Camelids with a target antigen to rapidly deliver highly diverseantibodies whose variable regions are nearly identical to those of humanantibodies. arGEN-X then uses these to produce variable antibody regions with96-99% human sequence homology via minimal germlining (humanization). This iseasily achieved without any loss in affinity and potency in just a matter ofweeks. These variable domains are then combined with human constant domainsto generate full size, fully human therapeutic antibodies.
A further key attraction of the SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform is itsunique ability to generate incredibly diverse panels of ultra-potentantibodies to a broad range of targets, including intractable and conservedtargets. These antibody panels effectively blanket the target of interestproviding pharma researchers with more choice in the drug discovery stage.This allows them to use more stringent lead selection criteria, increasingthe probability of successful therapeutic antibody development.
arGEN-X has already demonstrated that human antibodies generated usingits SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform routinely exhibit gold standard potenciesand affinities, without the need for additional engineering. These propertiescombined with their excellent manufacturability , make them an ideal startingpoint for a therapeutic antibody development program.
Prof. Hans de Haard, CSO of arGEN-X commenting on today's announcementsaid:
"The UKPTO's decision to grant the first patent for our SIMPLEAntibody(TM) platform is a major value-enhancing milestone in arGEN-X'corporate development. It is also a key step in our goal to achieve a broadand unencumbered global IP position for our platform which will give us ahighly competitive position in the human antibody space".
"As we work with our SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform, we are increasinglyconvinced that it will transform the discovery and development of humantherapeutic antibodies. This is due to its ability to rapidly produceincredibly diverse panels of ultra potent antibodies that address a broadrange of both intractable and conserved targets. These unique properties arealready generating considerable interest amongst potential partners who arelooking to access a platform around which they can build broadly basedtherapeutic antibody discovery and development programs."
arGEN-X is currently using the power of the SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platformto build its business by making this unique technology and know-how availableto biopharmaceutical companies through selective strategic partnerships andby developing its own portfolio of exciting therapeutic antibody candidates.
The power of the SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform is enabling the Company torapidly build its own pipeline. arGEN-X' lead product, ARGX-109, a fullyhuman mAb targeting autoimmune, inflammation and oncology indications, hasalready entered preclinical development in less than 12 months from start ofthe discovery process. ARGX-109, which targets the cytokine IL-6, has alreadyshown very high potencies in a range of in vivo studies. arGEN-X currentlyhas a further three therapeutic antibody candidates in its own developmentpipeline.
Note to Editors
About arGEN-X - http://www.arGEN-X.com
arGEN-X is a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company with a broadlyapplicable, proprietary SIMPLE Antibody(TM) platform. The platform allowsarGEN-X to create an unparalleled diversity of in vivo generated antibodyleads against a broad range of human disease targets. This superior choice ofultra-high affinity and highly potent leads, having best-in-class humanhomology, allows for more stringent lead selection criteria, therebyincreasing the probability of success later in the drug development path. TheCompany has validated its platform on four human disease targets to date. TheCompany's first patent was granted by the UK Patent and Trademark Office inJuly 2010. arGEN-X is globally prosecuting additional patent applications,which will provide it with broad protection of its technology.
arGEN-X' SIMPLE Antibody(TM) Platform is based on the active immunizationof outbred Camelids with target antigens to deliver antibodies whose variableregions are virtually identical to those of human antibodies. The combinationof those variable domains with the constant domains of human antibodies,generates full size, human therapeutic antibodies.
The SIMPLE Antibody(TM) Platform enjoys an independent, unencumberedpatent position and is free of target gatekeeping restrictions.
arGEN-X(TM) and SIMPLE Antibody(TM) are deposited trademarks of arGEN-XBV.
SIMPLE stands for Superior Immunodiversity with Minimal Protein LeadEngineering.For further information, please contact: Citigate Dewe Rogerson David Dible Mark Swallow Nina Enegren T: +44-207-282-2949/2948 E: [email protected] arGEN-X Tim Van Hauwermeiren, MSc, eMBA Chief Executive Officer T: +31-6-122-85-257 E: [email protected]
SOURCE arGEN-X
