Biotech receives grant in support of ongoing research into novel antibody platform

Biotechnology company focused on the discovery and optimisation of fully human antibodies, IONTAS, has been awarded a major grant to support ongoing research into its novel antibody platform, KnotBody.

This grant will allow the company to expand its current interest in targeting antibodies to ion channels to aid the development of therapies for chronic pain management. The total value of the grant will be £794,626 of which IONTAS will receive 70% from the Biomedical Catalyst Primer initiative established by Innovate UK.

“KnotBody technology allows for selective targeting of ion channels, a class of therapeutic proteins previously seen as difficult to target with antibodies,” stated Dr John McCafferty, CEO and founder of IONTAS. “The co-funding from Innovate UK is a further vindication of the novel science IONTAS is developing and we are excited to expand this technology further, to help generate therapeutic molecules for pain management.”

“IONTAS strives to offer market-leading services, technology development and innovative therapeutic candidates,” commented Neil Butt, CBO ofIONTAS. “We see this grant as a platform which will allow IONTAS to leverage its scientific and commercial expertise into new opportunities and to further develop its business through collaborative partnerships in drug discovery and development.”