Cell line technology to be used in R&D of Tillotts’ proprietary antibody, through licensing agreement

Lonza and BioWa have entered into a licensing agreement with Tillotts Pharma for the POTELLIGENT CHOK1SV Cell Line Technology to be used in research and development of the proprietary antibody TP10.

The cell line technology has been designed to improve the potency and efficacy of therapeutic antibodies by enhancing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), one of the major mechanisms of therapeutic antibodies. Combining BioWa’s engineered glycosylation POTELLIGENT Technology with Lonza’s GS Gene Expression System, which includes the pre-eminent host cell line, CHOK1SV, the cell line retains the features of a high-producing cell line with the advantage of a proven bioprocess platform.

Johannes Spleiss, chief scientific officer at Tillotts, commented: “With this licence agreement, we continue to build a strong technology base for our biologics development activities; and we are pleased that we can now incorporate Biowa’s/Lonza’s validated knowledge into TP10, our most advanced antibody therapy in development for certain GI indications”

“The POTELLIGENT Technology has been recognised as a global standard technology for the enhancement of ADCC in therapeutic antibody research and development as evidenced by our parent company, Kyowa Hakko Kirin (Kyowa Hakko Kirin) and our licensed partners,” added Takeshi Masuda, President and CEO of BioWa. “We are extremely pleased to have a new, innovative biopharma partner such as Tillotts to provide additional value to its antibody pipeline of GI candidates.”

Lonza Pharma & Biotech’s, global head of licensing, Sarah Holland stated: “The GS Expression System and the CHOK1SV cell line are proven key components of an industry-leading mammalian expression platform. Lonza’s partnership with BioWa further enhances our ability to address the needs of clients like Tillotts, for improved potency and efficacy of therapeutic proteins.”