The team will seek an investigational new drug (IND) permission from the FDA to utilize Champions Biotechnology’s Biomerk Tumorgraft technology to develop personalized vaccines for cancer patients.
Under the terms of the agreement Gradalis will work toward the IND that is required to begin administering the individualized vaccine to patients at Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center (MCCRC) in a Phase I clinical trial.
Champions Biotechnology anticipates that the collaboration will result in a new, near term option for the growing number of physicians that are taking advantage of the company’s personalized oncology services and a significant opportunity for the company in any future commercialization of the technology.
Doug Burkett, president of Champions Biotechnology, said: “The close correlation between Biomerk Tumorgrafts and the human tumor they are derived from provide the basis for our predictive preclinical platform. This technology also enables us, in collaboration with Gradalis, to develop personalized vaccines for cancer patients.”