The greatest challenge in oncology today is to destroy cancer cells as precisely and accurately as possible without affecting healthy tissue. The focus is on short protein sequences (peptides) presented on the surface of tumor cells by an HLA protein. These pHLA complexes represent attractive targets for innovative immunotherapies. They are the new hope for curing cancer.

pHLA complexes are biologically highly complex. The challenge is to target them as accurately and precisely as possible with a suitable antibody.

The goal of the collaboration is to establish a new powerful platform (safeTY-engager®) to accelerate the development of T cell engagers. T-cell engagers are bi-specific antibodies that bring T cells close to tumor cells for targeted killing. They have to bind specifically and without side effects to the chosen pHLA tumor target as well as to the T cell. Only when they connect to both, the tumor can be destroyed. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with a total of EUR 1.1 million.

BioCopy and YUMAB combine their core competencies. BioCopy's screening technology plays the key role in characterizing potential drug candidates regarding their specific binding to pHLA tumor targets. With the BioCopy technology the complex selection and optimization process of promising drug candidates can be accelerated and monitored.

YUMAB has extensive expertise in the development of therapeutic antibodies. With its unique recombinant technology platform, antibody drugs can be developed from target to optimized lead candidate for the clinic within a short time.

Through this collaboration, BioCopy and YUMAB combine their technologies and expertise to achieve new levels of efficiency for the development of immuno-oncology therapeutics in the emerging field of pHLA tumor targets.

Funding Details

• Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
• Reference 16LW0340K
• Project Title: „safeTY-engager“
• EUR 1.1 million

About YUMAB

YUMAB GmbH was founded in 2012 by scientists from the Technical University of Braunschweig and currently employs more than 30 people. The research company develops therapeutic antibodies from target to optimized lead candidate for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies around the world. With a unique technology platform in the hands of experienced experts, YUMAB generates value by delivering a broad range of antibody biologics quickly and with high success rates. Our team embraces innovation and supports collaborations with partners in academia and industry to be prepared for future needs of biotech and pharma customers worldwide.