Abivax enters into a manufacturing agreement with PCAS for ABX464

Abivax, an emerging leader in developing and commercialising antiviral therapies and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and chronic hepatitis B (CHB), has signed a contract with PCAS Group, a global industrial manufacturer of pharmaceutical active ingredients, for the production and supply of ABX464, Abivax's drug candidate for the treatment of HIV.

Under the terms of the contract signed by the two companies, PCAS will synthesise and manufacture the drug compound ABX464, and will ensure its availability for the completion of the Phase II and Phase III trials to be conducted by Abivax with ABX464 (scheduled for 2016 and beyond).

Abivax has transferred the process to produce ABX464 to PCAS, which began manufacturing ABX464 on behalf of Abivax in March while initiating a process optimisation programme. This collaboration is expected to be extended further for commercial supply once the clinical programme has been completed and the required authorisations obtained.

Abivax's CEO, Professor Hartmut Ehrlich, said: ‘This contract with PCAS, a well-known and reliable custom manufacturer, is very important for the supply of ABX464. The agreement with PCAS ensures access to a reliable source of supply of raw materials for the medium- and long-term, and will enable us to carry out the clinical Phase II and III programme we are envisioning to bring ABX464 to registration in Europe, the US and other geographies.’

Vincent Touraille, CEO of PCAS, added: ‘We are happy to collaborate with Abivax on the production of this promising compound. ABX464 could provide a great therapeutic solution for HIV, which remains a major global concern.’

Touraille continued: ‘By using its network of production facilities and its team of experts, PCAS is optimally positioned to support the drug substance portion of the ABX464 clinical programme, from late phase clinical trials up to a global launch.’