Heidelberg Pharma AG
WILEX AG: Subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma Signs Option Agreement with Max Delbrück Center
DGAP-News: WILEX AG / Key word(s): Alliance PRESS RELEASE WILEX AG: Subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma Signs Option Agreement with Max Delbrück Center – Agreement covers various BCMA antibodies developed by Max Delbrück Center – Heidelberg Pharma starts internal development project for multiple myeloma based on its proprietary ATAC (Antibody Targeted Amanitin Conjugates) technology with BCMA antibodies Munich, Germany, 19 September 2016 – WILEX AG (ISIN DE000A11QVV0 / WL6 / FWB) today announced that its subsidiary Heidelberg Pharma GmbH signed an exclusive option agreement with the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) in Berlin covering various BCMA antibodies. Financial details are not disclosed but will not have a material impact on WILEX’ cash guidance. BCMA (B-cell maturation antigens) is a surface protein that is highly expressed in multiple myeloma cells and to which the selected antibodies specifically bind. Scientists of the Max Delbrück Center developed those BCMA specific antibodies. Heidelberg Pharma has generated several proprietary ATAC molecules with it and generated comprehensive preclinical data. Based on these data, Heidelberg Pharma has selected the lead candidate HDP-101. HDP-101 consists of a BCMA antibody, a specific linker and the toxin Amanitin. Arrangements for formal non-clinical as well as clinical development of HDP-101 have been started. Preclinical data showed that HDP-101 had strong in vitro antitumor activity and led to complete tumor remission in mouse models for multiple myeloma even at very low doses. In addition, tolerability studies conducted in different in vivo models identified a very favourable therapeutic window. Multiple myeloma is the third most common hematologic cancer and represents a major unmet medical need where new, more effective therapies are urgently needed. Professor Andreas Pahl, Head of Research and Development at WILEX AG and member of the executive management of Heidelberg Pharma GmbH, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to demonstrate the potential of our ATAC technology using BCMA antibodies of the Max Delbrück Center. Our early research with these antibodies has been very promising and we are excited to be able to bring forward a candidate, HDP-101, into further development. If all goes as expected HDP-101 will be Heidelberg Pharma’s first ATAC product candidate to enter the clinic. This is a significant achievement for our company which we expect in 2018.” “We are delighted that Heidelberg Pharma intends to develop a new drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma based on the work of our scientists”, said Professor Martin Lohse, Chair of the Board and Scientific Director of Max Delbrück Center. “Despite significant progress in treating multiple myeloma, the disease is still not curable, and so new approaches, such as that being developed by Heidelberg Pharma, are urgently needed to help this patient population.” The contract was negotiated in collaboration with Ascenion GmbH, an IP asset management company and technology transfer partner of the MDC. About Heidelberg Pharma’s proprietary ATAC technology About WILEX and Heidelberg Pharma About Max Delbrück Center
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2016-09-19 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP – a service of EQS Group AG. |
Language: | English | |
Company: | WILEX AG | |
Grillparzerstr. 18 | ||
81675 München | ||
Germany | ||
Phone: | +49 (0)89 41 31 38 – 0 | |
Fax: | +49 (0)89 41 31 38 – 99 | |
E-mail: | info@wilex.com | |
Internet: | www.wilex.com | |
ISIN: | DE000A11QVV0 | |
WKN: | A11QVV | |
Listed: | Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange | |
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