Cobra Biologics and Recopharma have signed an agreement to supply a human Fc fusion protein. Cobra will apply its maxXpress platform service to deliver a program of vector construction using UCOE technology, transfectant pool generation, and supply, purification and protein characterization. The service allows Recopharma to form a quick and reliable assessment on the specific expertise of Cobra’s cell line development and analytical scientist teams, according to a joint statement.

Recopharma has developed a unique technology that uses mucins, naturally occurring proteins produced by epithelial tissues with many potential applications. The FC-fused mucins are intended provide a natural alternative to ocular lubricants and tear substitutes that are currently available and set to be used as a treatment and prophylactic that tackles viral conjunctivitis.

Peter Coleman, chief executive officer of Cobra Biologics, commented, “I am very pleased that Recopharma has chosen Cobra to supply preclinical material. Cobra’s maxXpress service has proven very popular with customers. Indeed, the service allows customers to make a fast assessment as to whether the UCOE technology and cell development team are the best combination to take their protein forward to clinical trials.”
 
Jan Holgersson, chief executive officer and chief science officer of Recopharma, added, “We are very excited about working with Cobra Biologics, and to apply their cell line development expertise on our mucin-type fusion proteins. A cell pool providing good yields will be an important commercial milestone on our path towards clinical studies with our dry eye disease lead compound.”