Byondis and Glycotope merge platforms to target carbohydrates

The goal of this partnership is to discover and develop antibodies that target specific tumour-associated protein/carbohydrate combined glyco-epitopes, so-called GlycoTargets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Byondis gains exclusive rights to evaluate and develop antibodies against selected novel GlycoTargets, with the option to in-license these antibodies for development as antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Specific financial terms have not been disclosed.

“Selective tumor targeting is key to maximize the potential of our linker-drug platforms to generate effective ADCs with low systemic toxicity. The antibodies generated by Glycotope are designed to deliver very high tumor selectivity. We are excited to join forces and align our highly complementary technologies to provide effective and safe ADCs for the benefit of cancer patients,” said Byondis Chief Scientific Officer Wim Dokter, Ph.D.

 “GlycoTargets are a unique class of highly tumor-specific antigens that offer reduced on-target / off-tumor toxicities," said Henner Kollenberg, Managing Director of Glycotope. " We believe that combining antibodies against these GlycoTargets with Byondis’ linker-drug platform has great potential to produce novel treatments" that are medically underserved.

Glycosylation is strongly altered in cancer cells, reflecting the drastic changes in tumour metabolism, which results in new, highly tumour-specific epitopes. Specific antibodies against these GlycoTargets might be highly cancer-specific and have the potential to target a broad range of oncology indications.

To improve the cell-killing capability of antibodies, highly cytotoxic drugs can be attached to the antibodies using a linker molecule, forming ADCs. While earlier generation ADCs improved targeting and cell killing, they were unstable in the bloodstream, leading to premature release of the cytotoxic payload, impacting healthy tissue and narrowing the therapeutic window. Byondis’ next generation ADCs are highly stable in circulation and carry an intricate, inactivated and potent cytotoxic drug that rapidly self-destructs if it is prematurely released, limiting damage to healthy tissue and improving the therapeutic window.