Pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Hovione has teamed up with Firstgene Life Sciences.
Together, the companies aim to advance Hovione's virus-like particle drug delivery platform to develop targeted treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Through this agreement, Hovione will grant Firstgene an exclusive license to its adeno-associated virus (AAV)-like particle technology, as well as providing preclinical R&D services.
The particle technology will be engineered and functionalised for the specific carcinoma cell type using validated AAVs, including a novel primer compound.
Under the terms of the partnership, Hovione will be responsible for the molecular engineering, as well as the supply of tailor-made virus-like particles.
The CDMO will also execute proof-of-concept studies looking into the efficacy and safety of the treatments.
“We are thrilled to see our new gene vector particle platform adopted by Firstgene and its forward-thinking leadership team,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, Chief Executive Officer of Hovione. “We look forward to advancing the development of oncology treatments with Firstgene, addressing a critical unmet need for precision gene expression at the tissue level," commented CEO of Hovione, Jean-Luc Herbeaux.
"HCC is the most common liver cancer, and a leading cause of cancer-related death — representing a major unmet medical need," added Firstgene's Managing Director, Dr Alexander Zink.
"The combination of Hovione's expertise in complex chemistry and particle engineering, and the commercialisation expertise of Xlife Sciences positions Firstgene well to offer patients potential new, safet and effective therapeutic options."
Firstgene Life Sciences GmbH is a technology-driven biotech start-up located in Mainz, Germany, incubated by Xlife Sciences AG, Zürich, Switzerland. Firstgene aims to deliver innovative treatments for indications with a high unmet medical need and is backed by Xlife Sciences AG, whose expertise is bridging novel innovation to the health care markets.