Global pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo has begun collaborating with research institute BioMed X to explore new approaches to cancer treatment.
Through this project, the pair hope to discover and develop multi-specific biologics for solid tumours — with research primarily being hosted at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg.
By leveraging the latest advances in biologics, such as bi- and tri-specific antibodies, the pair will attempt to develop new therapies that attack a solid tumour via multiple targets, overcoming the limitations of current conventional treatments, which may only target one antitumour signalling pathway.
Daiichi Sankyo and the BioMed X Institute are currently seeking proposals from researchers globally who may want to participate in this project.
The MTT initiative will focus on the development of new therapeutic concepts for bi- or multi-specific biologics, which may combine extra and intracellular target combinations.
Researchers will also explore and validate the potential of target combinations in vitro and in vivo.
In vitro assay systems will also be developed for each proposed novel target combination, which could facilitate the candidate's entance into clinical trials.
Researchers can submit proposals based on projects targeting any solid tumour, though classical immune cell engagers, combination therapies and other modalities outside peptides or proteins (e.g., small molecules, nucleic acids, gene or cell therapies) are not within the scope of this project.
Christian Tidona, Founder and Managing Director of the BioMed X Institute, commented: "Partnering with Daiichi Sankyo on the MTT project allows us to expand our research in oncology, focusing on next-generation biologics that can truly make a difference for cancer patients. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to pioneering innovative therapeutic approaches."