InNexus and Genhelix to develop antibodies for anti-cancer and cardiovascular therapies

Canada-based InNexus Biotechnology and Spanish Genhelix Biopharmaceutical Company are to collaborate on developing novel antibodies engineered with InNexus" DXL technology.

InNexus will conduct preclinical development for a DXL therapeutic against an undisclosed target, with Genhelix providing GMP production and commercial manufacturing. DXL antibodies are biologics engineered with the novel ability to link with one another (self-binding) upon reaching their target, exhibiting marked enhancements for ADCC and CDC functions over the source antibody.

The alliance follows InNexus" successful meeting with the US FDA, which supported the company's product development plans following a comprehensive review of the proposed clinical pathway for its lead preclinical candidate, DXL625 (CD20) for the prospective treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and/or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The FDA also provided a Manufacturing Exception Approval allowing InNexus to manufacture all clinical material needed for DXL625's Phase l human trial in its facilities at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona.

David Marcos Martinez, chief executive of Genhelix, said: "The antibody industry is growing at an unprecedented rate. Today, it is estimated to have more than US$30bn (Euro 22bn; £19bn) in worldwide sales, and antibodies are expected to be the pharmaceutical industry's leading choice for the development of new therapeutic compounds."

Jeff Morhet, chief executive of InNexus, added: "This collaboration provides significant opportunities for both companies, and represents a creative approach to partnering that brings resources and capabilities together while the partners stay focused."