The 3K3A-APC is a form of activated human Protein C whose molecular structure has been intentionally modified to remove the undesirable side effect of bleeding.
ZZ Biotech chief operating officer Kent Pryor said the project showcased Laureate’s scientific expertise in developing suitable processes for clinical production of challenging proteins.
"We have successfully produced many fusion proteins, IgM antibodies, and other complex recombinant proteins for our clients to evaluate in the clinic," Pryor added.
Protein C becomes an active protease upon enzymatic activation. Once activated, this protease can degrade itself, since enzymes are also proteins.
Additional complexity arises from the production of isoforms as well as modified amino-acid structures that are important to the activity of 3K3A-APC, according to the company.