CMC Biologics has entered an agreement with RuiYi, Inc. to develop a cell line for RYI-008, an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody. CMC will use its CHEF1 high-productivity expression plasmid for the cell line development to optimize cell growth and protein expression in a rapid time frame. Financial terms were not disclosed.
 
“We are excited to work with CMC Biologics, a global contract manufacturing organization known for its technical excellence in biopharmaceutical development and cGMP manufacturing,” said Paul Grayson, president and chief executive officer of RuiYi. “The integrated services, including cell line development using the proprietary CHEF1 system, along with CMC’s responsive and collaborative interactive style, made CMC Biologics the obvious partner for this important global effort.”
 
“We are pleased with the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with RuiYi on the development of RYI-008. RYI-008 is an antibody with unprecedented potency and remarkable half-life, creating a significant opportunity to be a best in class product in the rapidly evolving field of IL-6 biology,” said Mark Sawicki, Ph.D., global vice president business development of CMC Biologics. “This agreement underscores our strategic focus on biologics development in emerging markets.”