CMC Biologics, OncoSynergy in CTM Pact for Ebola Drug

CMC Biologics and OncoSynergy have entered an agreement for process development and GMP manufacture of OS2966, a potential treatment for Ebola. 0OS2966 is a monoclonal antibody designed to inhibit a major cellular adhesion receptor (CD29) that’s fundamental for progression of aggressive and resistant cancer, and was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the treatment of glioblastoma. Previous studies have suggested blocking CD29 could halt Ebola’s spread in the body.

0OS2966 is a monoclonal antibody being investigated in multiple models of highly aggressive cancers and other diseases. In collaboration with multiple Ebola scientists internationally, OncoSynergy has demonstrated OS2966 blocks the ability of Ebola virus to enter cells in lab models. Further studies are ongoing. Proposed trials in West Africa will examine safety, dosing and efficacy of OS2966 against Ebola virus disease in humans.

“We are truly honored to be a strategic partner with OncoSynergy to help address this current global health crisis, and deploying resources necessary to produce clinical material as quickly as possible,” said global chief operations officer of CMC Biologics, Gustavo Mahler. “In December last year, we began working with OncoSynergy for development and GMP manufacturing of OS2966 for their IND enabling studies and clinical trials in cancer. Given our strong relationship, we were able to quickly put in place an agreement that enables aggressive timelines and provides a progressive cost-structure that benefits this global health program.”

“Our experience with CMC Biologics’ cell line and process development capabilities to develop GMP material for our clinical studies in cancer has been outstanding,” said Dr. Shawn Carbonell, founder and chief executive officer of OncoSynergy. “They have exceeded expected expression levels in a high productivity system while producing quality material. Excellent technical capabilities applied to cell line development; rapid, sophisticated product analysis; and streamlined formulation development have resulted in an expedited path to provide material for Ebola clinical trials.”