KU Leuven and FIT Biotech have reached a global license and partnership agreement for the development of novel immunotherapeutics leveraging FIT Biotech's gene transport unit (GTU) technology for transient in vivo expression of monoclonal antibodies.
Based on the terms of the agreement, KU Leuven will get an exclusive worldwide license to six undisclosed antibodies or marketed recombinant products.
FIT Biotech CEO and president Kalevi Reijonen said that the company will remain using its platform technology in several therapeutic areas through collaborations and its own research and business development.
KU Leuven antibody center PharmAbs research manager Nick Geukens said that by commercializing R&D programs, the firm plans to set up a new Flemish spin-off company that will be responsible for (pre)clinical development and marketing of the generated products.
"Our R&D program meets the clear need for more selective and effective management strategies to combat nosocomial infections and cancer," Geukens added.
FIT Biotech, a Finnish medical biotechnology company, is engaged in the development and commercialization of its gene transport unit (GTU) technology and GTU product applications in DNA vaccination, as well as in immuno- and gene therapies.