CMC Biologics to make Harpoon’s cancer drugs in California, US

Harpoon said its three candidates - HPN424, HPN536, and HPN217 – were developed using its  antibody-based drug discovery platform, TriTAC technology (Tri-specific T cell Activating Construct).

TriTAC antibodies activate T cells – a subtype of a white blood cell in the adaptive immune system – to target and kill cancer cells. Harpoon said it plans to move HPN424 into Phase I clinical trials for metastatic prostate cancer next year.  

CMC Biologics said it will use its CHEF1 Expression Platform to create clinical and commercial product cell lines for the biologics.

“Our advanced CHEF1 Expression Technology will facilitate production of high levels of recombinant protein in rapid time-frames, with a focus on an accelerated process, precise outputs, and excellence in service,” ​said CMC Biologics’ CEO Gustavo Mahler.

Facilities​

Chief business officer Bob Broeze told us CMC Biologics will develop the molecules at its facility in Bothell, Washington, before they are “transferred to our Berkeley, California facility for manufacturing.”​

The contract development and manufacturing organisation’s (CDMO) Bothell site – located near Seattle – houses two 3,000L stainless steel bioreactor lines, two 750L bioreactors, two cell expansion suites and three single-use bioreactors.

The firm told us it does not expect to be adding any additional equipment or staff for this project.

CMC Biologics was bought by Japanese chemical firm AGC Asahi Glass in December​ last year.