ProBioGen has announced a collaboration with Spica Therapeutics to perform cell line development for ST101, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody designed to selectively deplete immunosuppressive CD163+ tumour-associated macrophages in oncology applications.

GlymaxX technology enhances ADCC activity

The Berlin-based biopharmaceutical development company will apply its proprietary GlymaxX technology to boost antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in ST101. This technology enables targeted afucosylation, which significantly increases ADCC activity whilst maintaining flexibility for integration into new and existing antibody cell lines without affecting productivity or product quality.

Dr Gabriele Schneider, Chief Business Officer at ProBioGen, said: “ProBioGen’s CHO.RiGHT expression platform including our proprietary DirectedLuck transposase system for precise genetic engineering is designed to support biologics with high performance, high purity, and robust productivity.”

Targeting immunosuppressive macrophages in cancer therapy

ST101 represents Spica Therapeutics’ first clinical development candidate, targeting pathogenic macrophage subsets in the tumour microenvironment. Dr Hilde Revets, Director of Non-Clinical Development at Spica Therapeutics, said: “Integrating their GlymaxX technology supports our strategy of developing ST101 to deeply deplete immunosuppressive TAMs to remodel the tumour microenvironment, with the aim of boosting responses of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.”

The collaboration combines Spica’s macro-phage-focused therapeutic approach with ProBioGen’s expertise in cell line development. ProBioGen operates three manufacturing lines in Berlin and offers GlymaxX royalty-free and non-exclusively as a service or standalone licence.