Texas A&M University And XOMA Sign Deal For Biopharma Research
The Texas A&M University System and XOMA, Ltd., a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, recently announced an agreement to explore options for the development and manufacture of antibodies and protein-based therapeutics for human and veterinary applications. The memorandum of understanding between the Texas A&M System and XOMA covers programs for advancing healthcare research and technologies through the development of new methods, standards and intellectual properties that, if implemented, will advance the leadership position of the State of Texas in cutting-edge biopharmaceutical research.
XOMA and the Texas A&M System will discuss working together to develop next-generation systems and processes to improve and accelerate protein and antibody manufacturing. More specifically, the organizations plan to discuss the design and establishment of a state-of-the-art GMP manufacturing facility within the State of Texas to spur academic research in diverse biological and bioengineering disciplines, and create a world-class biological manufacturing capacity within the State. GMP standards, based on regulations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, require manufacturers of drug and related products to take proactive steps to ensure maximum safety and purity of their products.
For the Texas A&M System, this program could result in a significant gain in expertise, capabilities and capacity in monoclonal antibody research and production in the State of Texas. For XOMA, the program is intended to provide access to new processes and technologies, additional manufacturing capacity, process development facilities, and research personnel that could help accelerate the translation of XOMA's innovative technologies into the practice of biological manufacturing.
"XOMA and the Texas A&M System are engaging in these discussions at a time when the value of antibodies in medical treatment is proven and growing, and flexible next-generation manufacturing will be essential for developing and marketing the antibodies of the future," noted Steven Engle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of XOMA. "Through this innovative cross functional endeavor between industry and university, we hope to meet the advanced needs of the biological manufacturing industry for years to come."
Mr. Engle continued, "With this collaboration, we hope to combine the University's distinguished multi-disciplinary research organization with XOMA's proven technical excellence in development and manufacturing. We have been fortunate over the years to have highly productive and successful collaborations with a variety of first-tier research institutions, public health agencies and universities. We are delighted to establish a relationship with the Texas A&M System and its distinguished research teams."
Brett Giroir, M.D., Vice Chancellor for Research for the Texas A&M System, said, "The Texas A&M University System is pleased to be working with XOMA, a biotechnology company with more than 25 years of experience as a successful innovator in antibody development and manufacturing. We expect that the project will generate new opportunities for rapid translation of biomedical discoveries into real life-saving products. The collaboration also holds the promise to develop manufacturing technologies that position the State of Texas as the partner of choice for biotechnology companies in the future."
About the Texas A&M System
The Texas A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.9B. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the Texas A&M System educates more than 106,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $627 million every year and helps drive the state's economy.
About XOMA
XOMA discovers, develops and manufactures therapeutic antibody and other agents designed to treat inflammatory, autoimmune, infectious and cancerous diseases and is engaged in 16 active development projects. The company's expanding pipeline includes XOMA 052, an anti-IL-1 beta antibody, and XOMA 629, a synthetic antimicrobial peptide compound derived from bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein.
XOMA's proprietary development pipeline is primarily funded by multiple revenue streams resulting from the licensing of its antibody technologies, product royalties, development collaborations, and biodefense contracts. XOMA's technologies and experienced team have contributed to the success of marketed antibody products, including RAPTIVA(r) (efalizumab) for chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, LUCENTIS (ranibizumab injection) for wet age-related macular degeneration and CIMZIA (certolizumab pegol) for Crohn's disease.
The company has a premier antibody discovery and development platform that incorporates leading antibody phage display libraries and XOMA's proprietary Human Engineering(tm) and bacterial cell expression technologies. Bacterial cell expression is a key breakthrough biotechnology for the discovery and manufacturing of antibodies and other proteins. As a result, more than 50 pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have signed BCE licenses.
In addition to developing its own products, XOMA develops products with premier pharmaceutical companies including Novartis AG, Schering-Plough Research Institute and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. XOMA has a fully integrated product development infrastructure, extending from pre-clinical science to approval, and a team of 330 employees at its Berkeley location. For more information, please visit www.xoma.com.
SOURCE: XOMA Ltd.