Stipple Bio and Lonza Agree to Focus on Advancing Oncology ADC Therapies

Scientists have discovered that in certain circumstances the same DNA can lead to differential cell surface protein presentation on tumor vs. normal cells. When this occurs unique tumor-specific cell surface epitopes can be exposed. Scientists at Stipple Bio say its Pointillist Platform identifies these tumor-specific epitopes and also creates antibody binders that specifically bind to the tumor epitope allowing the development of precision cancer therapeutics with increased potency and reduced on-target/off-tumor toxicity. [Stiple Bio] — Scientists have discovered that in certain circumstances the same DNA can lead to differential cell surface protein presentation on tumor vs. normal cells. When this occurs unique tumor-specific cell surface epitopes can be exposed. Scientists at Stipple Bio say its Pointillist Platform identifies these tumor-specific epitopes and also creates antibody binders that specifically bind to the tumor epitope allowing the development of precision cancer therapeutics with increased potency and reduced on-target/off-tumor toxicity. [Stipple Bio]

Lonza and Stipple Bio signed a multi-target licensing agreement to support the development of next-generation precision oncology ADC therapies.

Officials at Stipple Bio say the company is leveraging its Pointillist Platform to identify tumor-specific cell surface epitopes, which can enable the development of high therapeutic index medicines designed to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Under the agreement, Stipple Bio will gain target-specific access to Lonza’s ADC technology platform to design potential first-in-class and best-in-class ADC products, including STP-100.

This collaboration combines Stipple Bio’s epitope discovery capabilities with Lonza’s GlycoConnect antibody conjugation technology, HydraSpace^® polar spacer technology, and a toxSYN^® linker payload. In addition, Lonza is eligible to receive upfront, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales of resulting products. Lonza is responsible for manufacturing components that are related to its proprietary technologies, and Stipple Bio is responsible for the R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization of the ADCs.

“We value the opportunity to work with Stipple Bio to support their innovative epitope discovery approach with our advanced ADC technologies,” said Jan Vertommen, head of commercial development, advanced synthesis, Lonza. “By combining their science with Lonza’s established bioconjugation platforms and efficient, scalable manufacturing capabilities, we aim to help Stipple Bio progress more precise and effective ADC programs with confidence and speed.”

“ADCs have become a core pillar of cancer treatment, and as the field advances, increasingly sophisticated design is translating into stronger efficacy and reduced off-target effects,” added Jeff Landau, CEO, Stipple Bio. “We are pleased to be partnering with Lonza and believe that their clinically validated platform will be instrumental in enabling us to translate that design sophistication into effective and better tolerated therapies.”