ProBioGen and Spica Therapeutics, a biotechnology company advancing pathogenic macrophage subset-targeted immunotherapies, have entered a new collaboration in which ProBioGen will perform cell line development for ST101, Spica’s first clinical development candidate anti-CD163 depleting antibody for oncology.

ST101 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody designed to selectively deplete immunosuppressive CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Spica has integrated ProBioGen’s proprietary GlymaxX technology to boost antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).

“We are glad to collaborate with Spica Therapeutics on cell line development for ST101. ProBioGen’s CHO.RiGHT expression platform, including our proprietary DirectedLuck transposase system for precise genetic engineering, is designed to support biologics with high performance, high purity, and robust productivity. Incorporating GlymaxX offers an additional layer of functional enhancement aimed at strengthening the therapeutic potential of ST101,” said Dr. Gabriele Schneider, Chief Business Officer at ProBioGen.

Dr. Hilde Revets, Director of Non-Clinical Development at Spica Therapeutics, added, “This agreement marks an important step for our development candidate ST101. ProBioGen’s technical and scientific expertise as well as their highly collaborative approach make them a strong partner. Integrating their GlymaxX technology supports our strategy of developing ST101 to deeply deplete immunosuppressive TAMs to remodel the tumor microenvironment, with the aim of boosting responses of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.”

This collaboration combines Spica’s innovative macrophage-focused therapeutic approach with ProBioGen’s proven expertise in cell line development and enabling innovative technologies. Together, the partnership aims to provide a strong foundation for advancing ST101 towards future development milestones.