SEATTLE–( BUSINESS WIRE )–AGC Biologics, a leading global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced that it has signed a services agreement with Jikei University in Japan. Under the agreement, AGC Biologics will undertake technology transfer and feasibility studies for a pharmaceutical product focused on the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at the CDMO Center of Cellular and Gene Excellence in Milan.
In the feasibility study, scientists at the Milan site will focus on developing proof-of-concept and viability for the development of a prototype exosome-based treatment for IPF derived from bronchial epithelial cells. Current research at Jike University School of Medicine has shown that extracellular vesicles extracted from bronchial epithelial cells may play a potentially important role in the pathogenesis of IPF. If the feasibility study is successful, preclinical studies could begin within the next year.
“The emerging field of exosomes has the potential to become an important part of the cell and gene industry. We welcome the opportunity to continue the important work of Japan’s Jikei University, a historic research and medical institution in medicine,” said Luca Alberici, CEO of AGC Biologics Milan. “This collaboration demonstrates AGC Biologics’ ability to offer scientific innovation and support researchers and developers as they explore new therapies and methods in this field.”
Exosomes hold the promise of making cell and gene therapies for large populations more commercially viable because of their potential to provide a targeted approach to drug delivery. AGC Biologics’ Milan location has 30 years of experience in cells and genes and expertise in complex advanced therapy projects. The core team guided three products from development to commercial stages.
“Our research is specifically designed to find out how we can better understand and treat IPF, a condition that can dramatically affect lung health. With only two current treatments on the market, it would be a paradigm shift to create a new option for patients that harnesses the power of exosomes. We look forward to collaborating with the talented team at AGC Biologics Milan to explore the feasibility,” said principal investigator Dr. Yu Fujita of the Jike University School of Medicine.
To learn more about AGC Biologics’ global cell therapy services, visit www.agcbio.com/capabilities/cell-therapy, visit www.agcbio.com/capabilities/viral-vector and learn more about CDMO’s viral vector offerings.
About AGC Biologics
AGC Biologics is a leading global biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with a strong commitment to delivering the highest standards of service as we work side-by-side with our customers and partners every step of the way. We provide world-class development and production of mammalian and microbial-based therapeutic proteins, plasmid DNA (pDNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vectors and genetically engineered cells. Our global network spans the US, Europe and Asia with cGMP compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder and Longmont, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Milan, Italy; and Chiba, Japan, and we currently employ more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Our commitment to continuous innovation drives technical creativity to solve our clients’ most complex challenges, including specialization in fast-paced projects and rare diseases. AGC Biologics is the preferred partner. For more information, visit www.agcbio.com.
Contacts:
Nick McDonald
AGC Biologics
Email: nmcdonald@agc.com
Cell: (425) 419-3555
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