Merck KGaA taps Selexis cell line tech for immuno-oncology antibodies

A Merck KGaA has signed a licensing agreement for Selexis’ SUREtechnology platform and its suspension-adapted CHO-K1 cell line.

Germany’s Merck KGaA will utilise the technology in its immuno-oncology antibody programme. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

According to Swiss-based mammalian cell line developer Selexis, the platform will provide Merck with advantages over traditional approaches, including speed, productivity, stability, and flexibility. 

The company said its SUREtechnology platform enables the production of virtually any recombinant protein, including those difficult to express in other systems. 

“Selexis’ SUREtechnology platform facilitates the rapid, stable and cost-effective production of virtually any recombinant protein and provides seamless integration of the bioproduction continuum, spanning discovery to advance an immune-oncology antibody program,” a spokesperson told BioPharma-Reporter.

The technology produces a “high-expressing and stable research cell bank in 14 weeks from transfection, is not associated with gene amplifications, or viral transduction or potential future infections,” said the firm.

“It also provides seamless integration of the biologics and vaccine development continuum, spanning discovery to commercialization,” the spokesperson told us.

In the past year, Selexis has signed licensing deals for its SUREtechnology platform with Sanofi, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, Pieris Pharmaceuticals, Laboratorios Liomont and Progenics Pharmaceuticals.