Lonza and Stipple Bio announced a multi-target licensing agreement to support the development of next-generation precision oncology antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapies. The deal positions Stipple Bio to advance new ADC programs using Lonza’s clinically validated ADC platform.
Stipple Bio is using its Pointillist Platform to identify tumor-specific cell surface epitopes that enable the design of potent, high therapeutic index medicines intended to avoid on-target/off-tumor toxicity. Under the agreement, Stipple Bio will gain target-specific access to Lonza’s ADC technology platform to design potential first-in-class and best-in-class ADC products, including its lead program, STP-100. The collaboration combines Stipple Bio’s epitope discovery capabilities with Lonza’s established GlycoConnect ADC platform.
Jan Vertommen, head of commercial development, advanced synthesis at Lonza, said the company aims to support Stipple Bio’s epitope-based approach with its bioconjugation platforms and scalable manufacturing capabilities to help advance more precise and effective ADC programs.
Jeff Landau, chief executive officer of Stipple Bio, said ADCs have become a core pillar of cancer treatment and that more sophisticated design is improving efficacy and reducing off-target effects. He said partnering with Lonza and using its clinically validated platform will be key to translating that design sophistication into effective and better tolerated therapies, starting with STP-100.
Under the terms of the agreement, Stipple Bio gains access to Lonza’s site-specific ADC technology platform, including GlycoConnect antibody conjugation technology, HydraSpace polar spacer technology and a toxSYN linker payload. Lonza is eligible for upfront, clinical, regulatory and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on net sales of resulting products. Lonza will manufacture components related to its proprietary technologies, while Stipple Bio will be responsible for research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the ADCs.