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Institute spin-out announces early exclusive licence of oncology-targeted Humabody®

Key points:

• Takeda takes early option to license oncology-targeted Humabodies® from Crescendo Biologics.
• Crescendo’s platform utilises a transgenic mouse system created using IP developed by ���������̳ researchers.
• Option forms part of Takeda’s mission to develop improved immuno-oncology therapies.

 
Ltd (Crescendo), the drug developer of novel, targeted T-cell enhancing therapeutics, announced earlier this week that Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), has exercised an option under its existing, multi-target collaboration and license agreement. Takeda has taken an exclusive licence to Humabodies directed to one of its oncology targets.
 
Crescendo’s multi-functional Humabody® therapeutics are based on its unique, patent protected, transgenic mouse platform generating 100% human VH domain building blocks (Humabody® VH). The next generation antibody technology utilises a transgenic mouse system created using IP developed by ���������̳ researchers, including Dr Marianne Brüggemann and Dr Michael Taussig, to generate fully human antibody VH fragments suitable for a range of therapeutic purposes. The small size of the humanised antibodies increases their use as therapeutics. Crescendo was spun out from the Institute in 2008.
 
Dr Peter Pack, CEO of Crescendo, commented: “The team at Crescendo has made great progress on our Humabody programmes, working closely with the Takeda team. To date, we have met all the technical milestones on time or earlier than planned, which is proof of our excellent collaboration. We are delighted that the option to license has been taken by Takeda ahead of schedule and look forward to further future successes.”
 
Chris Arendt, Head, Oncology Drug Discovery Unit & Immunology Unit, Takeda, commented: “At Takeda, we continue to research diverse modalities to bring transformative treatments to patients with cancer. Our decision to exercise the licence was based on the quality of the Humabody leads and the potential we see to develop improved and differentiated immuno-oncology therapies.”
 
Professor Michael Wakelam, Director of the ���������̳, said: “Congratulations to Crescendo on the success of their agreement with Takeda. This exciting news reflects how many of the innovations in healthcare have their roots in fundamental biological research. The latest announcement marks one step closer towards seeing the early foundational work of several Institute researchers applied in developing a new type of cancer treatment.”  

Crescendo is co-located with the Institute on the Babraham Research Campus and continues to interact with the Institute through research collaborations, consultancies and use of the Institute's scientific facilities.
 
For the full announcement see issued by Crescendo on 5^th November.
 

Notes to Editors

Related resources:
���������̳ spin-out Crescendo Biologics enters deal worth up to $790m October 2016
Babraham spin-out Crescendo Biologics Raises £17.5M in Series A Financing December 2013
 
About Crescendo Biologics
is a biopharmaceutical company developing potent, truly differentiated. Humabody® therapeutics in oncology with a focus on innovative targeted T-cell approaches.
 
About the ���������̳
The ���������̳ undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.