SemBioSys Provides Update On Apo AI

SemBioSys Genetics (SemBioSys) has provided an update on its progress on plant-produced Apo AI (Milano), in light of the license agreement between Pfizer and The Medicines Company, New Jersey.

The company claims that, in collaboration with cardiologists and cardiovascular researchers, it has confirmed the activity of plant-derived Apo AI (Milano) in seven preclinical models. The company has demonstrated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Apo AI (Milano) based on cholesterol mobilization from the arterial wall, lipid content of atherosclerotic plaques, and the reduction of overall volume of atherosclerotic plaque after multiple injections.

Reportedly, the company has harvested more than 20 tonnes of safflower containing Apo AI (Milano) from outdoor production operations in Chile and the US, which provided surplus material for the manufacturing scale up at its pilot facility.

James Szarko, chief executive officer of SemBioSys, said: “The Medicines Company’s acquisition of the exclusive rights to Pfizer’s Apo AI(Milano) program is a strong endorsement of Apo AI(Milano) and its potential to rapidly reduce atherosclerotic plaque. The asset is now in the hands of pharmaceutical company that will actively develop the compound with access to the financial means to do so.

“The Medicines Company recognizes the potential benefit and value of Apo AI(Milano) to address one of the most significant areas of unmet clinical need in the cardiovascular market. While The Company did not address a manufacturing solution in their disclosure surrounding the transaction, it is clear that the success of this drug candidate will be highly dependent upon manufacturing technology that can provide Apo AI(Milano) at high purity and at a reasonable cost.”