Lpath, Inc. and Laureate Pharma have entered into an agreement for the production of recombinant Sphingomab, Lpath’s humanized monoclonal antibody specific for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). It is designed for use as a potential therapeutic for diseases like cancer and various ocular and cardiovascular conditions. Laureate will provide cell line development, optimization, and upstream and downstream process development, followed by cGMP manufacture of the product for use in clinical trials.

“Lpath has developed an impressive and unmatched ability to generate monoclonal antibodies against bioactive lipids,” notes Robert J. Broeze, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Laureate Pharma. “We are excited Lpath has chosen Laureate Pharma to design and implement a manufacturing process that will make this medical breakthrough available for clinical trials.”

Dr. Bill Garland, Lpath’s vice president of preclinical development, commented, “Given Laureate’s decades of experience producing monoclonal- antibody therapeutics and their state-of-the-art facilities, Laureate Pharma was a compelling choice for Lpath and a great fit with our manufacturing strategy.”