CimCure, a spin-off of Amsterdam UMC and focusing on cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors, signed a strategic partnership agreement for in-licensing CimCure’s iBoost technology with Intravacc, a worldwide leading translational research and development vaccine organization with an extensive track record in developing viral and bacterial vaccines.
The iBoost (immune boost) technology was developed at Amsterdam UMC, lab-location VUMC, by Prof. Dr. Arjan Griffioen, professor of experimental oncology and CSO at CimCure. This technology overcomes limitations over current methods for inducing antibody responses against cancer specific antigens. iBoost is currently applied to elicit antibody responses against the tumor vasculature, a strategy that conquers the problem of drug resistance. This treatment strategy has a long-term efficacy and is extremely cost-effective. Proof-of-concept has been shown in several preclinical models.
This agreement offers Intravacc access to this technology in developing new vaccines and for providing services involving the in-licensed technique in mutually agreed countries. This technology also enables Intravacc to expand its translational expertise towards the development of cancer vaccines.
By using the patented iBoost technology, Intravacc and CimCure are also involved in the joint development of a COVID-19 vaccine. CimCure/Amsterdam UMC received a 1.3 million euro grant from Health Holland, an investment organization of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In the collaboration, CimCure will focus on the design and preclinical validation of three different types of COVID-19 vaccine concepts, while Intravacc will be responsible for the vaccine process development, the pilot production of the candidate vaccine under GMP conditions and for a phase I clinical trial.
Dr. Jan Groen CEO of Intravacc stated:
“We are excited to have signed an agreement with CimCure providing us access to the iBoost technology, which will have a game changing effect on the vaccine industry and the near future development of oncology vaccines. This agreement expands our platform offering towards potential clients and will further boost our developments within our oncology- and infectious disease vaccine portfolios”
Diederik Engbersen, CEO of CimCure said:
“We believe that this license agreement with Intravacc and the value of our platform outside oncology will contribute to future revenue growth of the Company.
Source: Intravacc
“With this agreement, we fortify our collaboration, reaffirming our dedication to diversity, sustainability, and entrepreneurship – values exemplified by DNNL. An endeavor that aligns with the educational and research efforts we stand for as a university,” says VU President Jonkman.
NewsUvA Ventures Holding has launched the Social Sciences & Humanities (SSH) Impact Fund that aims to capitalize on SSH research by supporting the development of academic spin-offs that address societal challenges. The initiative is a response to the need for practical applications of SSH research, identified through discussions with university researchers. For whom? The SSH […]
NewsKepler Vision Technologies, a spin-off company from the University of Amsterdam, secured a significant €1.5M investment from ROM InWest last month. The Dutch company will use the funds to accelerate the production of its ‘Kepler Night Nurse’ solution, a smart technology for care home fall detection. The company is now positioned for global expansion, targeting the UK and US markets.
News