Date: 2016-11-09
Type of information: Grant
Company: Merus (The Netherlands) Aquila BioMedical (UK)
Investors: European Eurostars Programme (EU)
Amount: €1.5 million
Funding type: grant
Planned used:
- The grant will fund the development of novel immunological assays supporting the selection of potent bispecific antibodies that positively modulate tumor immunity with superior potency and lower toxicity compared to existing drugs.
- In the iMOD-ReACT project Aquila BioMedical has agreed to apply its extensive experience in the development of cellular assays to develop novel in vitro assays to screen immunomodulatory therapeutic agents, focusing in particular on the ‘exhausted’ T cell phenotype that is a feature of tumor immunity. Merus has agreed to apply its proprietary Biclonics® technology to screen large panels of bispecific antibodies against combinations of immunomodulatory targets with Aquila using the novel T cell assays to support the rational selection of lead bispecific antibody candidates for further development to treat cancer.
Others:
- • On November 9, 2016, Merus, a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing innovative bispecific antibody therapeutics, announced that it has been awarded a €1.5 million EUREKA Eurostars grant (“iMOD-ReACT”) with Aquila BioMedical. to jointly develop novel immunological assays supporting the selection of potent bispecific antibodies that positively modulate tumor immunity with superior potency and lower toxicity compared to existing drugs.
Therapeutic area: Cancer - Oncology
Is general: Yes