GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has announced a multi-year, multi-target strategic collaboration with Oxford BioTherapeutics (OBT) to discover novel, potentially first-in-class antibody-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.
OBT's recently enhanced proprietary OGAP-Verify discovery platform enables highly sensitive identification of oncology targets with improved attributes for drug development, supporting the creation of differentiated antibody-based therapies.
Under the terms of the agreement, targets are identified via the OGAP-Verify discovery platform and will be validated through a joint research collaboration.
Any further research, development and commercialisation efforts against these targets will be driven by GSK.
As part of the agreement, OBT will receive an undisclosed upfront payment from GSK and is eligible to receive downstream milestone payments as well as royalties on net sales of any resulting products.
"We're delighted to expand our network of world-class partners through this collaboration with GSK," said Dr Christian Rohlff, CEO of OBT.
"This marks our second major collaboration with a leading global pharma this year — a testament to the growing recognition of our proprietary discovery platform, OGAP-Verify's potential to drive meaningful innovation in cancer research."
"T-cell engager therapeutics and antibody-drug conjugates have shown great promise, yet today only a small fraction of cancer patients are currently eligible for these treatments."
"We're driven by a patient-centric vision and excited to work with GSK to turn these discoveries into potential new treatment options that could reach many more people living with cancer."
"At GSK, we are committed to discovering, developing and delivering novel medicines to patients in need," said Dr Chris Austin, Senior Vice President of Research Technologies at GSK.
"Our collaboration with Oxford BioTherapeutics enhances our in-house capabilities by integrating a best-in-class proteomics platform for oncology target identification, enabling us to work together to deliver impactful solutions for patients."