- Starpharma (SPL) has signed a research agreement with MSD, the trade name of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck and Co
- Under the agreement, MSD will research molecule-based Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) using Starpharma’s drug delivery technology, DEP
- ADCs target specific cells and then releases a drug to destroy it
- The partnership will explore the potential of DEP technology
- On the market this morning, Starpharma is up 3.43 per cent and is trading at $2.11 per share
Starpharma (SPL) has signed a research agreement with MSD, the trade name of one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck and Co.
Under the agreement, MSD will research dendrimer-based Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) using Starpharma’s DEP technology.
ADCs are antibodies that are linked to one or more drug molecules. When the ADC meets its targeted cell, such as a cancerous cell, the drug is released to kill it.
Starpharma’s DEP will work as the “drug delivery” mechanism to ensure the drug is delivered to the right part of the body at the right time.
The partnership will explore the potential of DEP technology to provide improved characteristics to ADCs, such as greater homogeneity, site specific attachment and higher drug antibody ratio.
“MSD is a recognised leader in oncology, and we are delighted to have signed this new Research Agreement in such an innovative and valuable area,” Starpharma CEO Jackie Fairley said.
Notably, DEP technology has already shown significant advantages, such as the DEP HER-2 ADC, which showed significant tumour regression and 100 per cent survival.
Earlier this month, Starpharma reported that AstraZeneca will expand the clinical program for a drug candidate which uses DEP.
On the market this morning, Starpharma is up 3.43 per cent and is trading at $2.11 per share at 11:02 am AEDT.