EUROAPI and Priothera partner in CDMO for oncology project

EUROAPI has announced a significant 5-year agreement with Priothera, a biotechnology company focused on treatments for hematological malignancies and enhancements in CAR-T cell therapies. The collaboration aims to develop and industrialize the manufacturing process of mocravimod, a novel oncology molecule, under EUROAPI’s Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) activities. Priothera, based in Dublin, Ireland, with an operational branch in Saint-Louis, France, is keen on leveraging EUROAPI’s expertise in this ambitious project.

The project will be executed at EUROAPI’s Budapest facility, known for its excellence in complex chemistry. Cécile Maupas, Chief CDMO Officer of EUROAPI, highlighted the importance of oncology in their CDMO business. She emphasized that the partnership with Priothera showcases EUROAPI's competence in meeting high innovation and quality standards. Florent Gros, Co-Founder and CEO of Priothera, noted the substantial value in having EUROAPI as a commercial manufacturing partner, especially as they accelerate the late-stage development of mocravimod. The goal is to achieve global drug registration and commercialization by 2027.

Mocravimod, a S1P1 receptor modulator, is being developed as an adjunctive and maintenance therapy for blood cancers, aiming to reduce relapses and improve patient survival. Currently, it is in a global phase 3 trial involving around 250 adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia patients, with ongoing studies in the US, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The molecule has received Orphan Drug designation from both the EMA and US FDA, recognizing its potential in treating rare conditions.

The oncology market is expanding rapidly, with global spending on cancer medicines projected to reach $375 billion by 2027, up from $196 billion in 2022. According to the US National Cancer Institute, approximately 1.6 percent of men and women will be diagnosed with leukemia during their lifetime.

EUROAPI aims to reinvent active ingredient solutions to sustainably meet global customer and patient needs. As a leading player in active pharmaceutical ingredients, EUROAPI boasts a portfolio of around 200 products and a wide range of technologies. Their strong R&D capabilities and six European manufacturing sites ensure the production of high-quality APIs for customers in over 80 countries.

Priothera, established in 2020 by a team of drug development experts, is at the forefront of developing orally-applied S1P receptor modulators for treating hematological cancers and enhancing CAR-T cell therapies. These modulators are known to significantly reduce T cell egress from lymphatic tissues. Mocravimod, in particular, aims to enhance the GvL (Graft versus Leukemia) benefits in patients receiving allogeneic HSCT while inhibiting GvHD (Graft versus Host Disease).

Priothera is backed by international investors, including Fountain Healthcare Partners, Tekla Capital Management, HealthCap, and EarlyBird Venture Capital. The company has also secured non-dilutive financing through loans from the European Investment Bank and Bpifrance (Grand Est Bpifrance) to support their R&D efforts.

In summary, the partnership between EUROAPI and Priothera marks a significant step forward in the development and manufacturing of innovative treatments for blood cancers. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of cutting-edge biotechnology and high-quality manufacturing in addressing unmet medical needs in oncology.

How to obtain the latest research advancements in the field of biopharmaceuticals?

In the Synapse database, you can keep abreast of the latest research and development advances in drugs, targets, indications, organizations, etc., anywhere and anytime, on a daily or weekly basis. Click on the image below to embark on a brand new journey of drug discovery!