Valanx Biotech and Fina Biosolutions have signed a joint IP and licensing agreement to accelerate the conjugation of carrier proteins.
These proteins will be used for the generation of conjugate vaccines to fight against bacterial infections.
Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will co-launch ClickCRM, a ready-to-conjugate version of CRM197 — an antigenic carrier protein which can be utilised in the creation of conjugate vaccines.
Conjugate vaccines can exhibit improved efficacy against bacterial infections when compared with polysaccharide vaccines.
To allow for the development of successful conjugate vaccines, Valanx and FinaBio have created ClickCRM, which facilitates the precise conjugation of antigens to CRM197.
Conjugate vaccines can exhibit improved efficacy ... when compared with polysaccharide vaccines
According to the companies, ClickCRM has defined conjugation sites generated via the incorporation of synthetic amino acids, which are compatible with third-gen click chemistry.
Through the agreement, Valanx will product ClickCRM with its upstream platform technology, and FinaBio will complete the solution's production with its CRM197 purification and formulation methods.
FinaBio will also be responsible for the marketing and commercialisation of the product, which is currently available for purchase through the company.
Founder and CEO of Valanx Biotech, Michael Lukesch, commented: "The development of ClickCRM demonstrates the functionality of our platform technology for accurate site-specific protein modification, whether for vaccines or therapeutics.”
“Combining our platform technology with FinaBio’s proprietary, patented method for expressing and purifying CRM197 allows us to achieve high protein expression levels and excellent incorporation of our non-natural amino acid. This technological advancement will allow vaccine developers to implement ClickCRM in a cost-effective manner to ultimately deliver acceleration and affordability in conjugate vaccine development.”
Fina Biosolutions' CEO, Andrew Lees, added: “Conjugate vaccines represent an effective form of immunization for bacterial infections where the antigen induces a weak immune response. We’re pleased to offer this new product to our customers that will allow them to rapidly produce new conjugate vaccine candidates.”
“FinaBio has been a leader in developing technologies to simplify the manufacture of conjugate vaccines, making these complex vaccines more affordable. By allowing precise, defined conjugation, ClickCRM will meet current quality expectations of regulatory agencies. It is a welcomed addition to our other carrier proteins, including EcoCRM™ (CRM197). It has been a pleasure to collaborate with VALANX Biotech to develop this exciting new product.”