Crown Bioscience will collaborate to develop a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody with Jiangsu Qyun Bio-Pharmaceutical. CrownBio will leverage Jiangsu Qyun Bio-Pharmaceuticals’ expertise to support the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) and further clinical development of CrownBio’s proprietary 10B10 antibody.

“The collaboration agreement between CrownBio and Jiangsu Qyun Bio-Pharmaceutical is indicative of our focus on innovation, and enhances our portfolio in immuno-oncology,” said Jean-Pierre Wery, chief executive officer, CrownBio. “Moreover, this partnership highlights CrownBio’s commitment to develop therapies that could significantly impact the way cancer is treated.”

10B10 is a humanized anti-CTLA-4 antibody with higher binding affinity and in vitro T cell stimulation than ipilimumab, the first immune checkpoint blockade antibody targeting CTLA-4 to receive FDA approval for the treatment of melanoma. The two antibodies have equivalent activity in T cell activation and tumor growth suppression but a different binding epitope and pharmacokinetic profile.

The goal of the collaboration between CrownBio and Jiangsu Qyun Bio-Pharmaceutical is to develop a less toxic CTLA-4 antibody and better combination strategies to overcome the immunological adverse effects due to T cell activation and proliferation observed in a minority of patients treated with anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapies.

“CrownBio is the ideal partner to progress candidate compounds to IND and clinical development thanks to their recognized in vivo pharmacology expertise and the high quality and standards of their operations, representing the perfect match to our knowhow in antibody engineering, cell line construction, and experience in GMP production management, quality control, clinical research, and regulatory affairs,” said Qiu Jiwan, chief executive officer, Jiangsu Qyun Bio-Pharmaceuticals.