I-Mab Biopharma, a clinical stage biotech based in Shanghai with an exclusive focus on the development of potential first-in-class and best-in-class biologics in immuno-oncology and autoimmune diseases, and Jiangsu Nhwa Pharmaceutical (Nhwa), a company devoted to central nervous system (CNS) drug development, manufacturing and service, have entered into a collaborative research agreement with scientists and clinicians at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Biodextris, a Montreal-based biologics contract development and manufacturing organization, to jointly develop a novel immuno-stimulatory therapy for neurologic disorders by harnessing the natural power of the immune system.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, parties will combine their resources and expertise in basic science, translational research, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization, to accelerate the translation of innovative immunotherapy into the clinic for the most challenging diseases with the highest unmet medical needs.
 
The Brigham team will be responsible for preclinical development including biomarker discovery and validation, as well as early clinical studies. Biodextris will be responsible for CMC development and manufacturing of clinical materials. I-Mab and Nhwa will provide financial, technical, regulatory, and business support for the preclinical as well as clinical development, and potentially future commercialization.
 
“The development of a nasal immune modulator that has been used in vaccines is a unique approach to treating certain neurologic disease and has the potential to have a major impact on the disease worldwide. We are very excited about this collaboration and the potential to achieve this goal,” said Howard Weiner, co-director of the Ann Romney Center at the Brigham, and Robert Kroc, professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School.
 
Joseph Zimmermann, chief executive officer, Biodextris, “We have worked on the development of nasal adjuvants and innate immune applications for many years, and are now very pleased to participate in this collaborative effort toward the application of this technology in neurological diseases.”
 
“The Brigham is recognized internationally for its excellence and innovation in patient care, biomedical research, and education,” said said Dr. Zheru Zhang, president, I-Mab. “I-Mab shares the same aspiration and strives to bring innovative treatments to patients around the world. We believe that this type of partnership between the industry and a leading academic institute will accelerate not only drug development but also scientific advancement. We’re very pleased to be part of this international collaboration.”
 
“NHWA is a company that fully focuses on CNS drug development, manufacturing, and marketing. The Brigham is well-recognized for developing new treatments and cures in the field of neurologic diseases, while Biodextris has pioneered the immune adjuvant technology and I-Mab has made great strikes in developing innovative biologics with remarkable results in recent years,” said Sun Pengsheng, president, NHWA. “It is an honor for NHWA to have the opportunity of working with these great partners to develop an innovative therapy.”