Abzena and US research institute form immunotherapy joint venture

A new joint venture company, Denceptor Therapeutics, will use Abzena Inside immunotherapeutic products and Baylor Scott & White’s dendritic cell receptor-targeting antibodies to carry out its work.

Denceptor has the option to exclusively license antibodies from BSWRI with a sub-license to the humanized versions of the antibodies developed by Abzena.

The antibodies will deliver antigens to specific receptors on dendritic cells to induce or suppress an immune response in order to treat several cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Denceptor will operate as a virtual business and seek third party funding to support the clinical development of its lead product, an HPV E6/E7 immunotherapy for head and neck cancer and other HPV-related malignancies.

Abzena can receive future license income from the products developed by Denceptor using its technology.

Denceptor will be lead by Kevin FitzGerald. Matthew Baker will serve as chief scientific officer.

FitzGerald said: “The dendritic cell-targeting technology that has been developed at BSWRI’s Immunology Research Program offers exciting opportunities for therapeutic intervention in a wide variety of life-limiting and life-threatening diseases.”

Abzena CEO John Burt said: “We have a longstanding relationship with Baylor and have always admired the work they do and recognise their significant expertise in the field of dendritic cell research.

“We believe that through this joint venture Abzena can make a significant contribution to the development of new, smart, immunotherapies to tackle difficult to treat conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.”

Image: The antibodies will deliver antigens to specific receptors on dendritic cells to induce or suppress an immune response. Photo: courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Health/ThinkstockPhotos.