Mera and Rincon sign antibodies research deal

Rincon has already demonstrated the technical feasibility of using microalgae to produce antibodies at laboratory scale. The purpose of the collaboration between Mera and Rincon is to use Mera’s patented technology to demonstrate the scalability and economic advantages of using microalgae as a protein expression system.

“Protein therapeutics, especially monoclonal antibodies, are the fastest growing class of drugs in the pharmaceutical with over 200 products currently in clinical trials,” said Bruce Steel, CEO of Rincon. “There is a tremendous industry need for new production systems that employ a more rapid, scalable, and cost effective means of producing protein therapeutics.”

The agreement calls for Mera to perform pilot studies for Rincon at Mera’s Kona, Hawaii research and production facility. As many as six antibodies will be tested over the next several months, beginning as soon as Hawaiian agricultural regulation requirements are satisfied.

If the first round of studies is successful, Rincon would expect to exercise an option to use Mera’s patented technology to develop its own production capability, beginning with a pilot GMP production facility.

According to Dan Beharry, Mera’s CEO, this collaboration provides a number of important benefits for Mera. “The most immediate effect of the project is the additional revenue it will generate over the balance of this year. Together with the revenue we will derive from our recently announced relationship with a leading nutritional products broker, this project will be a big help in our efforts to continue improving our business fundamentals.

“If the pilot project succeeds,” he continued, “then the value of this collaboration for Mera could increase significantly. Also very important longer term is the boost this project will give to our efforts to grow our research capabilities into a meaningful revenue stream.”