Oncobiologics Announces Agreement To Utilize XOMA's Fully Human Antibody Libraries For Discovery Platform

Oncobiologics announced Monday a collaboration agreement with XOMA Corporation XOMA to develop novel biotherapeutics based on engineering single-chain variable fragments into a bi-specific antibody scaffold. Through the partnership, Oncobiologics will utilize XOMA's ADAPT™ fully human antibody technology platform as a key component of its drug discovery program. Oncobiologics has selected clinically validated targets that will be used in the development of its bi-specific antibody platform targeting three therapeutic areas: Oncology, Immuno-Oncology and Immunology. Under the agreement, Oncobiologics will gain access to XOMA's highly diverse library of scFv antibodies and associated patent estate, and will utilize XOMA's know-how and proven software tools as it advances its own candidates for treating cancer and immune diseases. Financial terms were not disclosed. Pankaj Mohan, Ph.D., Founder & CEO of Oncobiologics commented, “We are very excited to partner with XOMA to advance our discovery pipeline. Their proven technology represents an important asset to support our strategy to deliver improved efficacy and safety in our drug candidates. Access to this technology is a key differentiator for the bi-specific mAb candidates in our pipeline and we believe this creates significant value for our programs.” Joseph Bertino, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of the Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Head of Oncobiologics' Scientific Advisory Board, added, “Fully-human single chain antibodies in a bi-specific format offer promising opportunities for a new class of biotherapeutics designed to enhance efficacy and safety. Bringing together these capabilities with Oncobiologics' platform creates an exciting pathway for enhancing oncology treatment.”