Selexis SA, a life sciences company focused on mammalian cell line generation, and Aslan Pharmaceuticals, a biotech company focused on the development of immunotherapies and targeted agents for Asia prevalent tumor types, have entered into a service agreement under which Selexis will develop a CHO-K1 cell line for expression of ASLAN004, a novel fully human monoclonal antibody. ASLAN004 targets IL-13R-alpha1, and ASLAN is currently exploring its potential in a range of allergic disorders and oncology indications as both monotherapy and in combination with existing immunotherapies.

“We believe our SUREtechnology Platform will yield a cell line that will help to advance Aslan’s clinical candidate towards the company’s goal of transforming treatments for cancers that are prevalent in Asia,” said Marco Bocci, vice president, licensing and business development, Selexis. “Selexis continues to seek commercial partners to advance scientific innovation into life-saving treatments for patients. Together, with our partners, we can realize the full potential of global research from scientists around the world, and help patients around the world.”

Selexis will deliver to Aslan a final clonal cell line expressing ASLAN004, a monoclonal antibody that potently targets signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, two cytokines that are pivotal in allergic disease and are responsible for the growth of several tumor types. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Our partnership with Selexis allows us to leverage the company’s expertise and excellence in cell line generation as we seek to bolster the development of our proprietary biologics pipeline with ASLAN004 as our first biologic compound,” said Mark McHale, chief operating officer, Aslan Pharmaceuticals. “Aslan’s strategic collaborations with innovative partners enables us to enhance our clinical capabilities and deliver on our strategy to develop effective treatments that can improve outcomes for Asian patients.”