Shilpa Medicare arm partners with Switzerland-based mAbTree Biologics for new cancer drug

Drug firm Shilpa Medicare Ltd on Monday (March 17) said its wholly-owned subsidiary Shilpa Biologicals Private Ltd has entered into a strategic co-development and commercialisation partnership with Switzerland-based mAbTree Biologics AG for a novel biological entity (NBE) targeting immuno-oncology applications.

As per the binding term sheet, SBPL will support the development of mAbTree’s checkpoint inhibitor, including first-in-human clinical trials, and provide long-term commercial supply through its GMP manufacturing capabilities. The agreement also grants mAbTree access to India and multiple global markets via Shilpa’s extensive partner network.

The programme aims to develop a fully human monoclonal antibody against a novel immune checkpoint protein that enables T cell activation and generation of strong immune responses against tumours akin to the well-established PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.

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While PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has demonstrated remarkable clinical successes, recent studies suggest that its novel target has a highly attractive therapeutic potential in various immuno-oncological states both as a monotherapy and combinatorial therapy.

This approach has the potential to convert cold tumours (poor immune cell infiltration) into hot (good immune infiltration), suppress tumour metastasis and make the refractory tumours susceptible to chemotherapy as well and is applicable in various cancers, including lung cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and hematologic malignancies.

“We are delighted to enter this strategic collaboration with mAbTree Biologics as we share a common vision to bring innovative solutions to address unmet medical needs around the globe, especially in the field of oncology where Shilpa has had a long history of providing affordable innovative solutions,” said Madhav Bhutada, Director, Shilpa Biologicals.

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Shilpa Biologicals will utilise its large R&D teams – providing full-service capabilities from cell line development to GMP drug product manufacturing – with manufacturing and clinical supply conducted at its state-of-the-art bio-manufacturing facility at Dharwad, Karnataka.

The partnership aligns with SBPL’s focus on advancing innovative biologics, particularly in oncology, and strengthens its expertise in novel therapeutic development. A definitive agreement between the two companies will be finalised in due course.

Shares of Shilpa Medicare Ltd ended at ₹631, up by ₹2.25, or 0.36%, on the BSE.

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