Innova Biosciences and Cancer Research Technology form alliance for portfolio of conjugated oncology antibodies

Innova Biosciences and Cancer Research Technology (CRT), the commercialisation arm of Cancer Research UK have signed a licence agreement to develop a portfolio of conjugated antibodies against novel oncology targets.

Innova’s core business is ‘bioconjugation’ – the joining of two molecules to form a hybrid ‘conjugate’, a complex process carried out in thousands of research laboratories worldwide. Conjugates are used in diagnostic tests in hospitals and research labs around the world and in consumer items such as pregnancy test kits. Innova Biosciences has developed a sophisticated, yet simple and rapid, onestep conjugation method for joining biomolecules (Lightning-Link).

Through the commercialisation deal, Innova Biosciences will create a novel collection of antibody conjugate research tools for the scientific community, with the ultimate objective being the advancement of science and our understanding of the complexities behind cancer development. Commenting on the deal Dr Nick Gee, CEO of Innova Biosciences said “Research arising from Cancer Research UK sponsored labs is pioneering, and the organisation is recognised as a worldwide leader in the oncology field. CRT was an obvious partner for Innova Biosciences which creates a unique, powerful synergistic effect. It is our hope that these novel research tools will aid scientists to unravel the mysteries of cancer thus leading to the development of diagnostic tests and anti cancer
therapeutics.”

Commenting on the deal Dr Phil L’Huillier, CRT’s director of business management said: “CRT has a strong track record in commercialising research tools and reagents. Working with Innova Biosciences will enable us to combine our specialist antibodies with their easy-to-use conjugation technology. We envisage this portfolio of antibody conjugates will have great importance in the field of cancer research.”