Selexis to Provide ImmuNext with Cell Lines for Research into Treatment for MS, Autoimmune Diseases

Patricia Silva, PhD avatar

by Patricia Silva, PhD |

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SelexisĀ has entered into a commercial arrangementĀ with ImmuNext,Ā providing that company with access to research cell banks from itsĀ SURE technologyĀ Platform (a best-in-class cell line development technology). ImmuNext will use the cell banks in further developing its anti-CD40 ligand antibody, a potential therapeutic agentĀ for chronic autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Market demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is increasingĀ and with itĀ interest in developing models ofĀ mammalian cell culture processes, due to the fact that these are commonly used as production platforms for mAbs ā€” nowĀ the fastest growing segment of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Selexisā€™ proprietary SURE CHO-M Cell Line incorporates a stable and high-performing manufacturing mammalian cell line (suspension-adapted CHO-K1), withĀ the technology and expertise needed to translate scientific innovation into patientĀ therapies. In a press release, the company states that its SURE technologyĀ Platform improves the way these mammalian cells are used, and enables a rapid, stable, and cost-effective production of recombinant proteins, allowing the development of biologics fromĀ discovery through to commercialization.

CD40 ligand, also known as CD154 orĀ CD40L, is aĀ proteinĀ that is mainly expressed on activatedĀ T-cells (immune cells known to play a role in autoimmune disorders), and is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)Ā superfamily of molecules. It binds toĀ CD40Ā onĀ antigen-presenting cellsĀ (APC), which leads to differentĀ effects depending on the cell type targeted. The anti-CD40 ligand monoclonal antibody has shown efficacy in delaying the progression of autoimmune conditions in experimental animalĀ models.

ā€œWe are pleased to expand our relationship with ImmuNext, which began out of a necessityĀ to rapidly and predictably develop a high productivity cell line that would meet ImmuNextā€™s demand projections in the event of a successful clinical development and commercial launch of their anti-CD40L antibody,ā€ said Yemi Onakunle, PhD, vice president, licensing and business development, Selexis SA.

ā€œImmuNextā€™s development program received a $1.8M Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) Phase 2B award from the National Institutes of Health earlier this year for pre-clinical development of its proprietary anti-CD40L antibody. The Selexis team is proud to have played a small role in helping the company to advance its research,ā€Ā Onakunle added.