OncoResponse is established by US partners
MD Anderson Cancer Center and Theraclone Sciences launch immuno-oncology antibody discovery company
An immuno-oncology antibody discovery company has been launched jointly by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre and Theraclone Sciences, of Seattle, Washington.
OncoResponse, located in Houston, Texas, will use Theraclone’s I-STAR screening technology to identify therapeutic antibodies against novel targets from immuno-oncology treated patients. I-STAR technology rapidly screens antibodies made by the human immune system to identify those with exceptional reactivity that may lead to the development of cancer treatments.
MD Anderson will offer access to samples and physiologic, prognostic and genotypic data from patients that have responded well to cancer immunotherapies, in addition to oncology and translational medicine expertise.
'The immune system of patients who have responded exceptionally well to cancer immunotherapies may hold the key within their memory repertoire as to what gives them an edge over other patients with less robust immune responses. It could provide us with a way to increase success rates in treating cancer,' said Clifford Stocks, CEO of Theraclone and interim CEO of OncoResponse.
Ronald DePinho, President of MD Anderson, added: 'Immunotherapy will continue to be of utmost significance for our patients who rely on us to provide them with the very latest in treatment options. Through strategic alliances, we aim for more timely delivery of therapies that will enhance their quality of life and successfully treat their disease.'
The new company has announced the closing of US$9.5m in Series A financing co-led by ARCH Venture Partners, Canaan Partners and MD Anderson. William Marsh Rice University and Alexandria Real Estate Equities also participated.
The OncoResponse launch is the latest in collaborative efforts by MD Anderson that are facilitating further development of a biotech hub in Houston, Texas and are attracting blue chip investors such as ARCH, Canaan and others. They represent a growing trend in alliances between the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research and healthcare institutions.
