Using its proprietary ProMIS computational platform discovery technology, Amorfix has identified several disease specific epitopes (DSEs) on misfolded Fas receptor. Aragen is expected to use those DSEs to generate highly specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Robert Gundel, vice president of research and development at Amorfix, said: “Fas receptor is a well characterised target on cells that, when activated, causes programmed cell death, or apoptosis.
“Previous attempts to use Fas receptor as a therapeutic target for the development of new anti-cancer therapeutics have failed because its expression and function lead to undesirable side effects on normal cells.
“Using our ProMIS technology, we have identified DSEs on Fas receptor that is expected to provide the required specificity for our mAbs to target and kill tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with Aragen Bioscience on this project in hopes of generating an effective and safe new therapeutic for the treatment of a variety of cancers.”
Rick Srigley, president and CEO of Aragen Bioscience, said: “The ProMIS technology has identified new epitopes useful in the treatment of several diseases.
“We are excited to be working with the Amorfix team and look forward to applying our technical skills to the development of new mAbs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.”