AGC Biologics and Calypso Biotech have entered into an agreement for the process development and cGMP manufacture of Calypso’s pipeline project. The programme is a humanised monoclonal antibody, called CALY-002, that inhibits Interleukin-15 (IL-15).
Under the agreement, AGC Biologics will use its clinical and commercial manufacturing focus to develop and scale up a process for cGMP manufacture.
The company will work on the process at its facility in Copenhagen, Denmark, to support Amsterdam-based Calypso's clinical trials in Europe.
IL-15 is an immune checkpoint cytokine that controls inflammation as well as the fate of multiple immune cells. IL-15, particularly, was recently recognised as a key factor in the survival of tissue-resident memory T cells, a population of immune cells involved in disease maintenance and recurrence.
Scientists at the biotech company believe that targeting tissue-resident memory T cells with CALY-002 offers significant advantages and potential in multiple autoimmune indications, including unprecedented disease-modifying effects.
Gustavo Mahler, CEO of AGC Biologics, said: "We are pleased to be working with Calypso on this exciting and innovative monoclonal antibody product. With our extensive experience developing and manufacturing monoclonal antibody products, we are well positioned to help Calypso deliver this innovative antibody treatment to patients."