Abbott Diagnostics will be attending Biomed 2011 and is interested in discussions with potential collaborators leading toward the development and commercialization of novel IA/CC biomarkers in all therapeutic areas:
o Evidence of clinical utility
o Well characterized antibody development
o Preferably, a developed ELISA format
o Workable, defendable, global IP position

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Name: ProtAb

CEO: Shira Yair

Sector: Biopharma

Medical Field: Autoimmune Diseases

Est.: 2005

Stage: Late stage pre-clinical, after series A funding

Vision: To develop a novel therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, based on the induction of natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms existing in the body.

ProtAb’s Website

Some people like to do extreme sports: snowboarding, rock climbing or paragliding. Others think those kind of sports aren’t dangerous enough. The latter are the ones that go to the startup business. After all, let’s face it: only a small percentage of the startup companies will ever make the big exit. The rest will dissolve into disappointed entrepreneurs and heartbroken investors.  This is why it is such a pleasure to report on a Israeli startup that actually starts to look like it’s walking the lane towards success. ProtAb’s the name, and autoimmune diseases are its game.

ProtAb, a portfolio company wholly owned by Hadasit Bio-Holdings Ltd, dedicated to developing an antibody for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s Disease, has recently raised $3 million from two of the leading biotechnology investment groups in Israel – Pontifax Fund LP and Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd, whom will invest $1.5 million each. Hadasit Bio-Holdings itself has invested an additional $1 million in the company.

The idea behind ProtAb’s technology is deceptively simply. Their therapeutic approach is based on simulating a molecule that suppresses inflammation. The company’s first product – Proximab – is a promising monoclonal antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a wide span of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Psoriasis. Thus far, ProtAb has established preclinical proof-of-concept for Proximab, demonstrating a significant effect in various experimental autoimmune disease models of RA and IBD. Furthermore, ProtAb has successfully completed the humanization of Proximab and evaluation of efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Advanced preclinical development is ongoing, and is aimed at completion of the development of a CHO manufacturing cell line, on the pathway towards GMP manufacturing, toxicology experiments and initiation of a Phase I/IIA clinical trial in RA.

So – are they on the road to success? The real answer is that nobody can tell yet. However, it seems to me that most start-ups die quite early because of bad management decisions. ProtAb has passed that early stage, and would seem to be backed up by capable management. All that is left now is for them to prove their scientific merit – and perhaps we’ll have another Teva on our hands.

One can always hope, right?

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A new single-chain antibody fragment, identified by Tel Aviv University researchers as having the ability to fix a protein that’s mutated in more than 50 percent of human tumors, has been licensed to Champions Biotechnology for development and commercialization.

Back when I was a first degree student of biology, I was sternly told that antibodies are only used for diagnostic purposes. It never struck me quite right. After all, in the body they’re an important part of the immune system. Among their various functions, they can bind to unrecognized proteins and toxins released by intruders to the body and prevent them from accomplishing their nefarious purpose. Prof. Beka Solomon from Tel Aviv University has taken this idea one step forward, by identifying the unique activity of an antibody fragment – one that might deal a harsh blow to cancerous cells.

TAR-1, a single-chain antibody fragment, has the ability of binding to a mutant protein called P53. In the correct conformation, P53 regulates the cell cycle and thus prevents cancer. Its role is so important that it has been described as “guarding of the genome” and “master watchman”. This protein is so important that more than 50 percent of human tumors contain a mutated P53 protein, or miss it altogether. By binding to the mutant P53, TAR-1 restores the active conformation of the protein, and enables it to get back to work and guard the genome once again. The expected result would be that the cancerous cell will commit suicide, and the tumor growth as a whole will be inhibited.

The big question now is whether TAR-1 can work its miracles on human cells in vivo, and whether a way can be found to inject it into the cells of the tumor. To that purpose, Champions Biotchnology, Inc, an oncology drug development company, has recently (October 27) established an exclusive licensing agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd, encompassing the development and commercialization of TAR-1. Champions’ preclinical platform is based upon the implantation of primary human tumors in immune deficient mice and evaluating the Tumorgrafts response to drug candidates.

“We were impressed by the potential of TAR-1,” said Guy Malchi, Champions Biotechnology’s Head of Corporate Development and International Operations, ”and we are planning to continue to in-license oncology drug candidates with compelling science and to develop only those with positive Tumorgraft results.”

Source at Tel Aviv University

Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd

Champions Biotechnology, Inc

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