Abzena, an integrated CDMO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, and Mabqi, a biotechnology company focused on developing fully human antibodies, formed a strategic partnership. 

This collaboration will integrate Mabqi’s antibody discovery capabilities with Abzena’s development and manufacturing services, offering biopharma customers a more streamlined, end-to-end drug development services.


To help address the challenges of early-stage development, Mabqi and Abzena aim to enable drug developers to seamlessly bridge from discovery through lead candidate selection into preclinical development and beyond. Through this collaboration, the companies will provide combined scientific and technical support and streamlined workflows to help accelerate development timelines.


The partnership will leverage Mabqi’s LiteMab Antibody Discovery Studio for hit screening, characterization, and hit selection by using universal & pH-sensitive libraries to identify lead candidates, and utilize Abzena’s capabilities for developability, cell line development, process development, and GMP manufacturing. These services support a broad range of modalities, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), mAb fragments, bi- and multi-specifics, and bioconjugates. 


Campbell Bunce, CSO at Abzena, said, “Our partnership with Mabqi brings together two science-rich organizations that are focused on advancing antibody innovation through integration. The combination of our capabilities enables us to significantly accelerate our customers’ discovery programs from end-to-end by leveraging data to streamline and de-risk earlier on in development, enabling a faster and more successful path to the clinic.” 


“Our strategic partnership with Abzena marks a significant milestone in offering an integrated antibody discovery-through-development solution by combining our complementary scientific expertise and advanced capabilities,” said Sylvain Yon, CEO of Mabqi. “Beyond scientific excellence and innovation, what truly sets this collaboration apart is the exceptional human fit between our teams ensuring smooth cooperation, shared dedication to innovation and customer-focused relationship.”