CMC Biologics, a contract biologics manufacturing, and OncoSynergy, a biopharmaceutical company, have entered into an agreement for process development and GMP manufacture of OS2966, a monoclonal antibody and potential treatment for Ebola. The investigational drug candidate, designed to inhibit a major cellular adhesion receptor (CD29) that is fundamental for progression of aggressive and resistant-cancer tumors, was granted orphan drug designation by the US Food and Drug Administration earlier this year in the treatment of glioblastoma. Previous studies have suggested CD29 is required for Ebola virus infection; blocking CD29 could halt Ebola’s spread in the body, according to the companies.

OS2966, a monoclonal antibody,is being investigated in multiple models of highly aggressive cancers and other diseases of high unmet need. Recently, in collaboration with multiple eminent Ebola scientists internationally, OncoSynergy has demonstrated OS2966 blocks the ability of Ebola virus to enter cells in laboratory models. Further studies, including primate models, are ongoing or in development. Proposed West Africa trials will examine safety and dosing and test the effectiveness of OS2966 against Ebola virus disease in humans.

Source: CMC Biologics and OncoSynergy