Intellect Neurosciences has selected Lonza for the future development and manufacture of its antibody-drug conjugate CONJUMAB-A, subject to completing a definitive agreement. Lonza will supply the preclinical study material for the drug optimization and drug selection for Intellect's CONJUMAB-A, initially focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with potential applications for Alzheimer's disease.
 
The program will include in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate both therapeutic and prophylactic potential in AMD, testing different chemical variants manufactured by Lonza. Intellect also plans to work with independent specialized CROs to evaluate the compounds produced by Lonza.
 
"The selection of Lonza as our manufacturer, just under a year since we introduced the platform, represents an important next step in the evolution of Intellect Neurosciences, and we are very proud to be working with such a high caliber team at Lonza," said Dr. Daniel Chain, chairman and chief executive officer. "Based on recent discussions with global pharmaceutical companies that have expressed interest in the program, we see this program as a near-term opportunity for potential partnering for Intellect."
 
"Lonza looks forward to collaborating with Intellect Neurosciences on its CONJUMAB-A program," said Stefan Stoffel, head of Lonza Chemical Manufacturing. "We have already generated a detailed road map for the optimization and manufacture of CONJUMAB-A, and are excited to be associated with this entirely novel and promising application for antibody-drug conjugates."