Schlieren (Zurich), Switzerland & Singapore, December 16, 2010 – Switzerland's Cytos Biotechnology Ltd (SIX:CYTN) and Singapore's Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) jointly announced today the extension of their existing collaboration for the development of a virus-like particle (VLP) based Influenza vaccine. Under this revised agreement, A*STAR will engage Cytos to develop, manufacture, and supply A*STAR with a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-grade investigational vaccine candidate for a human proof-of-concept study in Singapore.
This extension follows an earlier Collaborative Research, Development and Commercialisation Agreement, signed by Cytos and A*STAR on 15th July 2010, to perform research, development and commercialization of a VLP vaccine to manage influenza infections. The objective of this agreement is to establish an independent supply of influenza vaccine for ASEAN and to extend Cytos' R&D pipeline. Cytos holds the worldwide, sub-licensable rights to further develop the vaccine, while A*STAR subsidiaries would earn a royalty on worldwide sales of influenza vaccine products developed under this agreement.
Frank Hennecke, PhD, Executive Vice President Product Development at Cytos Biotechnology commented: "I am very pleased we can contribute our GMP technology and process know-how in the VLP field to this collaboration. Cytos' continuing ability to supply its partners with clinical trial material is a key asset to rapidly move preclinical programs into the clinic."
"The extension of our collaboration for human proof-of-concept studies is a major step in bringing our research findings from the laboratory to the clinics where they can benefit patients. It also furthers A*STAR's close relationship with our industry partners," said Prof Alex Matter, Chief Executive Officer of A*STAR's Experimental Therapeutics Centre (ETC). Added Prof Paola Castagnoli, Scientific Director of A*STAR's Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), "We are confident that with the combined knowledge base of Singapore's research institutes and the capabilities of industry, we will produce a valuable and cost-effective healthcare solution for Singapore and beyond."
For further information about the Immunodrug™ agreement between A*STAR and Cytos Biotechnology in the Influenza field, see Cytos' and A*STAR's joint press release dated July 15, 2010.
For media queries, please contact:
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd
Wolfgang A. Renner, PhD
Chief Executive Officer
DID: +41 44 733 47 03
Email: wolfgang.renner@cytos.com
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Ms Adela Foo
Senior Officer, Corporate Communications
DID: +65 6826 6218
Email: adela_foo@a-star.edu.sg
About Cytos Biotechnology
Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is a public Swiss biotechnology company that specializes in the discovery, development and commercialization of a new class of biopharmaceutical products – the Immunodrugs™. Immunodrugs™ are intended for use in the treatment and prevention of common chronic diseases, which afflict millions of people worldwide. Immunodrugs™ are designed to instruct the patient's immune system to produce desired therapeutic antibody or T cell responses that modulate chronic disease processes. Taking advantage of the high flexibility of its Immunodrug™ platform, Cytos Biotechnology has built a diversified pipeline of Immunodrug™ candidates in various disease areas, of which five are currently in clinical development. The Immunodrug™ candidates are developed both in-house and together with Novartis, Pfizer and Pfizer Animal Health. Founded in 1995 as a spinoff from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich, the Company is located in Schlieren (Zurich). Currently, the Company has 81 full-time equivalents. Cytos Biotechnology Ltd is listed on the main segment at the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX:CYTN).
About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore. A*STAR oversees 14 biomedical sciences and physical sciences and engineering research institutes, and nine consortia & centres, located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis as well as their immediate vicinity.
A*STAR supports Singapore's key economic clusters by providing intellectual, human and industrial capital to its partners in industry. It also supports extramural research in the universities, hospitals, research centres, and with other local and international partners.
For more information about A*STAR, please visit www.a-star.edu.sg.