Evotec's immunology spin-out Topas Therapeutics has inked a multi-year R&D collaboration with pharma major Eli Lilly. The initial focus of research, which will be financed by Eli Lilly, is on identification of antigens that specifically induce a T regulatory cell response in inflammatory and auto-immune disorders.<\/p>\n
Using the company's nanoparticle platform, the collaboration will initially focuson identification of inflammatory or autoimmunity-inducing antigens that trigger immune tolerance through activation of regulatory T cells responses in liver stem cells. Specifically, Topas targets peptide-loaded nanoparticles towards liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which are one of the body's premier sites to induce tolerance against bloodborne antigens by generating peptide-specific regulatory T cells.<\/p>\n
Under the terms of the agreement, Topas will be responsible for conducting pre-clinical proof-of-principle studies in collaboration with Lilly to generate drug candidates. According to the contract, Lilly may licence and advance development of all candidates originating from the collaboration. Topas will receive R&D funding and participate in the future success of any compounds in-licensed by Lilly. Financial details of the collaboration have not been disclosed. <\/p>\n
Topas Therapeutics was spun out in March from Evotec's subsidiary Bionamics GmbH. The company, which uses a groundbreaking nanoparticle technology to target autoimmune and inflammatory diseases via the induction of antigen-specific immune tolerance in the liver, has14m of venture capital fromEpidarex Capital, EMBL Ventures and Gimv in its pockets. Evotec is its largest shareholder.<\/p>\n
Topas has several candidate peptides under preclinical development, the most advanced expected to come to the clinic in 2018 is intended to treat multiple sclerosis.<\/p>\n
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\nTopas Therapeutics lands option deal with Eli Lilly - European Biotechnology<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"