ThioBridge was developed by PolyTherics for site-specific conjugation of cytotoxic payloads to antibodies to provide more stable and less heterogeneous ADCs.
MacroGenics has two antibody technology platforms, which includes a Dual-Affinity Re-Targeting (DART) bi-specific platform, in which a single recombinant molecule is able to target two different antigens, and Fc-optimized antibodies with improved effector function.
The deal was extended following the successful outcome of a research programs carried out in 2013 under a Research Collaboration and Option Agreement, in which ThioBridge was used to conjugate a cytotoxic payload to a range of DART antibodies.
Both the firms will collaborate in the application of its ThioBridge technology to a number of product candidates derived from MacroGenics’ antibody platforms.
Under the deal, MacroGenics has an option to licence the ThioBridge technology for the development of these product candidates while PolyTherics will receive development milestones and a single-digit percentage royalty on sales of any ThioBridge ADC derived from the deal.
PolyTherics CEO John Burt said, "We are pleased with the success of our initial work with MacroGenics’ antibodies and their extension of the collaboration to a wider range of antibodies and payloads endorses their support for the versatility of ThioBridge and its use to produce better ADCs."