ImmunoPrecise and Biotheus Collaborate on Cancer Bispecific Antibodies

ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, a company leveraging artificial intelligence in biotherapeutic research and technology, has signed a material transfer and evaluation agreement (MTEA) with Biotheus. This partnership aims to develop innovative bispecific antibodies for cancer treatment, specifically focusing on hypoxic solid tumors.

The primary objective of this agreement is to advance a new bispecific antibody therapy using Talem Therapeutics' lead candidate, TATX-20. Talem Therapeutics, a subsidiary of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, will provide Biotheus with this specialized antibody asset. Biotheus intends to combine TATX-20 with its proprietary technology to develop novel cancer drugs.

These new therapeutic agents are designed to simultaneously target two distinct tumor markers, potentially offering a groundbreaking approach to treating cancers in oxygen-deprived environments. Xiaolin Liu, co-founder, chair, and CEO of Biotheus, expressed optimism about the collaboration. Liu stated, “Our partnership with ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, a leader in AI-driven biotech with exceptional multi-omics modeling capabilities, is an exciting development. Biotheus' comprehensive expertise in antibody discovery and development, along with ImmunoPrecise's AI-informed molecules, aims to create first-in-class bispecific antibodies. These new therapies could provide significant advancements in cancer treatment globally.”

The collaboration aims to speed up the development of targeted therapies that could improve outcomes for patients with solid tumors. Biotheus will evaluate the TATX-20 candidate for its effectiveness. If the evaluation is successful, the company will proceed with the development of bispecific molecules. The ultimate goal is to produce a clinically effective treatment capable of overcoming the resistance that hypoxic solid tumors exhibit against current therapies.

Dr. Jennifer Bath, CEO of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, highlighted the potential impact of this collaboration. She remarked, “Our partnership aims to fast-track the creation of innovative cancer treatments, which could result in groundbreaking clinical outcomes. This agreement not only showcases the value of our AI-enhanced assets but also sets the foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. We believe this collaboration will drive significant value for both companies and, more importantly, for patients who require advanced treatment options.”

In a related development, Biotheus announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Hansoh Pharmaceutical Group in March 2024. This expansion focuses on the development of bispecific antibody-drug conjugates targeting EGFR/cMET. This endeavor marks a significant advancement in Biotheus' oncology and inflammatory disease portfolio.

The collaborative efforts between ImmunoPrecise Antibodies and Biotheus represent a promising step towards the development of next-generation cancer therapies. By combining the strengths of both companies—ImmunoPrecise’s AI-driven platform and Biotheus’ expertise in antibody discovery and development—the partnership aims to deliver novel and effective treatments for hypoxic solid tumors. This innovative approach has the potential to transform cancer care and significantly improve patient outcomes.