TegMine Secures Rights to OBI Pharma's ADC Technology, Advancing Glycan-Targeted Cancer Therapies

TegMine Therapeutics, a California-based biotech company led by former Stemcentrx scientists, has entered into an agreement with Taiwan's OBI Pharma to utilize their antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. This strategic move aims to bolster TegMine's efforts in developing cancer treatments that target specific carbohydrate structures on tumor cells.

TegMine's Innovative Approach to Cancer Treatment

TegMine has developed a platform for discovering antibodies against previously inaccessible glycan epitopes, which are carbohydrate structures that can be specific to tumors. The company's strategy focuses on targeting these tumor-specific carbohydrate antigens while avoiding healthy tissues, potentially leading to ADCs with improved specificity and a better risk-benefit profile.

Jeff Bernstein, Ph.D., CEO of TegMine, stated that OBI's technology is an "ideal complement" to their efforts in targeting cancer-specific glycans. Bernstein, along with Chief Technology Officer Daniel Hyduke, Ph.D., both previously worked at Stemcentrx, the ADC biotech acquired by AbbVie for $5.8 billion.

OBI Pharma's ADC Technology and Its Potential

OBI Pharma's ADC-enabling technology has been applied to internal candidates targeting proteins such as Nectin-4, TROP2, and HER2. The company claims that its ADC platforms can enhance conjugation precision, drug loading flexibility, and stability, potentially overcoming some of the limitations associated with current ADC modalities.

Under the terms of the agreement, TegMine has secured the right to use OBI's glycan-based technology to identify ADC candidates. If a suitable candidate is identified through this collaboration, the two companies will enter into a formal licensing agreement.

While specific financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, OBI has indicated in a filing with the Taipei Exchange that it may receive an upfront fee and milestone payments as part of the arrangement.