A New Strategy for Targeting a Broad Range of Cancers

GD2 is a protein that many different tumor types have in common – from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, to adult cancers like melanoma, glioblastoma, and bladder cancer. This commonality makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. Monoclonal antibody therapy targeting GD2 has already been approved for treatment of neuroblastoma – but patients may experience severe side effects to this therapy.

In the latest Demonstrator Project supported by Oncode Accelerator, an international team from the Antibody Therapy Group at University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC) Utrecht, led by Professor Jeanette Leusen, and JJP Biologics will work together to develop a next-generation antibody therapy with fewer side-effects. The team will use Oncode Accelerator’s innovation platforms – data and materials from well-defined patient cohorts, organoids (which are patient-derived mini organs grown in the lab), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – to advance their promising strategy for targeting GD2.

Next-generation Bispecific Antibody Therapy

The Demonstrator Project focuses on developing a bispecific antibody. Natural antibodies are Y-shaped molecules in which each ‘hand’ at the top of the Y binds the same target protein – for instance, GD2. Bispecific antibodies differ in that each ‘hand’ can bind a different target protein. The new antibody design aims to combine targeting of tumor-associated GD2 with an improved ability to call the right immune cells into action. This should kill tumor cells more efficiently. Simultaneously, the scientists will tweak and optimize different features of the antibody with the aim to prevent the side-effects associated with current standard-of-care treatments, such as neuropathic pain.

Jeanette Leusen, Professor of Antibody Therapy at UMC Utrecht and lead of the Oncode Accelerator Biologics Workstream: “We are thrilled to start this project on newly engineered antibodies to harness our own immune system against such a deadly disease as neuroblastoma”

Dr. Louis Boon, CSO and Management Board Member of JJP Biologics: “At JJP Biologics we are excited to continue our collaboration with the UMC Utrecht to develop next-generation therapeutics for cancer, and to involve patients and organoids in our joint efforts to defeat this horrifying disease. Together we can help many.”

As the seventh Demonstrator Project to launch, this project underlines the value of providing developers of novel therapeutics with access to Oncode Accelerator’s innovative oncology ecosystem.

About Oncode Accelerator

Oncode Accelerator is a public-private partnership that is partially funded by the Dutch National Growth Fund (NGF), aiming to innovate and accelerate the development of new cancer therapies by placing cancer patients at the core of preclinical therapy development. It is a collaboration between six coordinating partners: Leiden University, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Princess Máxima Center, UMC Utrecht and the Oncode Accelerator Foundation.

Website: https://www.oncodeaccelerator.nl/

About UMC Utrecht

Every day, UMC Utrecht pushes the boundaries of healthcare improvement and population health. But being at the forefront isn’t enough. Together with their partners, UMC Utrecht aims to be a trailblazer, propelling Dutch healthcare to new heights. UMC Utrecht’s research stands at the cutting edge of innovation, encompassing six strategic themes: Brain, Cancer, Child Health, Circulatory Health, Infection & Immunity, and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. UMC Utrecht’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach places patients at the core of every initiative. UMC Utrecht forges strategic partnerships to create regional and international impact, addressing healthcare challenges and reducing health disparities.

UMC Utrecht is one of six coordinating partners of Oncode Accelerator and leads individual consortia within the Oncode Accelerator Project.

Website: https://www.umcutrecht.nl/en

About JJP Biologics

JJP Biologics is an innovative Polish biotechnology company developing novel biological therapeutics around established companion diagnostics. The company is part of the growing Polish biotechnology sector, led by some of the biggest names in the industry and backed by the Starak family. They have invested significantly in supporting research and development carried out in Poland and contribute through collaborations with universities, pharmaceutical companies, industries and other drug developers. JJP Biologics comes up with new approaches for addressing today and tomorrow’s health issues—focusing on personalized medicines. They don’t just focus on treating illness, but also improving quality of life and improving society and scientific understanding.

Website: https://jjpbiologics.com/

Contact for press questions:

Saskia Theunisse – de Jager (Director Marketing & Communications)

Tel: 0031 6-57 82 14 78

Email: saskia.theunisse@oncodeaccelerator.nl  / PR@oncodeaccelerator.nl