ProtAffin AG has signed a manufacturing contract with CMC Biologics’ Danish operations for manufacture of its lead product PA401 for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The contract will cover manufacture and supply of PA401 for preclinical development and early clinical development in COPD and related respiratory indications.

PA401 is a glycan-binding decoy protein based on human chemokine IL-8 (CXCL8), which has shown potent anti-inflammatory activity in both chronic and acute preclinical models of lung inflammation. A composition of matter patent covering PA401 has been granted in the U.S. and the EU.

Dr. Andreas J. Kungl, chief science officer of ProtAffin, commented, “We are delighted to be working with CMC Biologics A/S as our manufacturing partner for our first preclinical product, PA401. CMC have impressed us with their great expertise in process development for early stage biopharmaceuticals, and their reputation for customer service. Initiating manufacturing of PA401 to support preclinical and early clinical development of PA401 is a major milestone for ProtAffin.”