Proteomics teams with inVentiv for biosimilar, biologics development

04-Mar-2014 - Last updated on 04-Mar-2014 at 10:35 GMT

Proteomics International has agreed to collaborate with inVentiv Health to develop biosimilars and biologics, which will begin with structural and functional characterization.

The agreement offers biotech developers the ability to transition from characterization to clinical trials, and to streamline their processes.

Proteomics, which has a presence in Asia, provides structural characterization and QC (quality control) testing of proposed and referenced products, which is expected to complement inVentiv’s array of bioanalytical capabilities from clinical development through commercialization in support of biosimilar development.

This is the second agreement inVentiv has made since this summer to drive biosimilar development. The company also partnered with Oncobiologics as part of a rare risk-sharing deal to bring blockbuster biologics to market as biosimilars. This is also the second partnership announced by inVentiv in as many months. The ramp up of partnerships might be another sign of a growing CRO industry.

Proteomics is commercializing a panel of biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease and has provided $5M to develop a proven protein biomarker discovery platform that could be used for other diseases. The kidney disease biomarkers are being cross-validated in curated diagnostic and prognostic clinical studies with immunoassays and mass spectrometry to develop a diagnostic kit for the RUO, LDT, IVD, POC and CDx markets.

“The strengths of Proteomic International to demonstrate biosimilarity combined with inVentiv biologic clinical, commercial and consulting expertise is a winning solution for clients,” said Dr. George Scott, VP of bioanalytical services for inVentiv Clinical. “Together we offer the full breadth and scope of an integrated roadmap of biosimilar development services.”

Proteomics also developed a proprietary peptide drug discovery process that analyzes proteins from venom to identify several potential lead compounds in indications such as analgesics and antimicrobials. The success rates for this process are 100 times greater than the industry standard hit-rate for small molecule primary screens, according to the company.

“We welcome the partnership with inVentiv as it represents a significant opportunity for us in furthering expansion into bio-generic markets,” said Dr. Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International. “This collaboration will position both companies to better assist biosimilar and biologics developers in this emerging field and ever-changing regulatory environment.”