October 28, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian company AvidBiologics Inc. and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) are collaborating on one of the most promising advances in the fight against cancer: antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Recently signed research and licensing agreements will enable both organizations to continue developing a series of ADCs targeting breast, lung, and head-and-neck cancers. Unlike chemotherapy, ADCs specifically seek and destroy cancer cells, with minimal impact on healthy cells.
Since the start of the project in early 2013, NRC's antibody expertise has helped advance AvidBiologics' lead treatment more rapidly. By late September 2014, the data helped convince Avid's investors to close a new financing round. Avid will now complete confirmatory preclinical testing for its lead candidate in anticipation of its initial clinical trial in 2015, bringing this promising new treatment several steps closer to patients.
The National Research Council of Canada also developed a custom cell line needed to produce the antibody and is optimizing the parameters for its production. The goal is to transfer the cell line and bioprocess to a Canadian contract manufacturing organization to produce the clinical trial material.
Media Relations Team
National Research Council of Canada
613-991-1431
1-855-282-1637 (24/7)
media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Twitter: @nrc_cnrc
Ilia A. Tikhomirov
President and CEO
AvidBiologics
647-255-1333
ilia@avidbiologics.com
