European Fusion Proteins Target Cancer Cells

Two European companies have agreed to combine their methods for immune system stimulation to create fusion proteins that would have the potential to locate cancer cells and serve as the vehicle for the targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents.

The partnership comprises Active Biotech AB (Lund, Sweden) and Avidex (Milton Park, UK; www.avidex.com). Active Biotech will supply its proprietary superantigen protein. Superantigens are a class of substances that include some of the most powerful stimulators of the human immune system. They are particularly effective in activating T cells.

Avidex will provide its line of tumor antigen-specific human monoclonal T cell receptors (mTCRs). These mTCRs have shown they can deliver cytotoxic agents to cancer cells, and can block activation of T cells in autoimmune disease.

Working together, the two companies will try to merge Active's superantigen with Avidex's mTCR to form a novel fusion protein that would have the targeting specificity of the mTCR and the proven ability of the superantigen to stimulate T cells. If successful, the fusion protein could be the forerunner of a series of specific anticancer drugs.

Dr. Tomas Leanderson, CSO of Active Biotech said, "TTS-CD3, our 5T4 antibody-superantigen fusion protein, is progressing well in its clinical trials. We are already getting promising results from initial trials in patients with some of the most serious of cancers, including renal cancer. By forming this collaboration with Avidex we are now able to maximize the value of our technology by extending the tumor antigens that can be targeted.”




Related Links:
Active Biochem
Avidex