"Being selected by Zymeworks, who are known for developing best-in-class and highly effective protein therapeutics, is a natural fit for us and validates our technical excellence and partnering philosophy," said Gustavo Mahler, Global Chief Operations Officer of CMC Biologics. "Through this agreement, Zymeworks and CMC Biologics will work together to advance the next frontier of bi-specific antibody development platforms and bring novel therapies to patients in need."
CMC Biologics operates multiple cGMP manufacturing lines and a variety of scales, including two 500L single-use production bioreactors, at its Seattle, Washington cell culture facility. In addition, the company operates cell culture and microbial facilities in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The latest deal is one of several signed by CMC over the past few months to help develop and manufacture antibodies. In May the company signed on to manufacture MacroGenics’ oncology candidate, as well as to develop OncoSynergy’s mAb (monoclonal antibody) programme.
Ali Tehrani, President and CEO of Zymeworks, added: "Our collaboration with CMC Biologics helps position us to move our oncology program into clinical trials for the treatment of breast cancer and other solid tumors, as well as subsequent therapeutic candidates targeted towards hematological cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma."