Catalent and Vaccinex to collaborate on development of ADC

Global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions, Catalent, and clinical-stage biotechnology company, Vaccinex, have signed an agreement for the development of an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) to be used against a cancer target.

The ADC will be developed using Catalent’s proprietary SMARTag conjugation platform and GPEx cell line engineering technologies, and Vaccinex’s proprietary ActivMAb technology. Both companies will evaluate the ADC in various preclinical models and move it into cell line and process development.

“Vaccinex is excited to partner with Catalent Biologics to develop this novel antibody-drug conjugate for the treatment of cancer. We feel that by combining an ActivMAb antibody with Catalent’s SMARTag conjugation technology, we can generate a unique, differentiated molecule to treat cancers overexpressing this particular target,” commented Raymond E. Watkins, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vaccinex.

“We are delighted to partner with an innovative company like Vaccinex to develop a product that has the potential to deliver better outcomes for patients,” added Mike Riley, vice president & general manager of Catalent Biologics. “The opportunity to leverage these complementary technology platforms provides great promise to produce a differentiated ADC product.”