Commercial licensing of antibodies: pioneering cancer research and treatment

Kingston University partnered with global biopharmaceutical leader Merck in 2021, licensing two monoclonal antibodies for pancreatic cancer research and potential treatments for multiple cancer types. The research will aid how aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer are diagnosed and treated, where survival rates remain low and effective treatments are scarce.

Professor Helmout Modjtahedi, a cell biology expert at Kingston’s School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, led the team that developed these antibodies. With extensive experience in cancer biology, therapeutics and diagnostics, Professor Modjtahedi’s work focuses on discovering ways to improve patient outcomes.

Kingston University’s antibodies target abnormal cells with high levels of certain proteins. This enables the immune system to more effectively identify and destroy cancer cells. These antibodies offer a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, which can lead to significant side effects. Unlike conventional chemotherapy drugs, these antibodies are designed to attack cancer cells, causing minimal impact on healthy tissue and fewer side effects for patients.

Working in Kingston’s Cancer Research laboratories, Professor Modjtahedi and his team discovered proteins with elevated expression in cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. Their research led to the production of antibodies designed to aid in understanding cancer progression, as well as in diagnostics and treatments.

Kingston University retains intellectual property rights to continue in-house research with various antibodies, and two antibodies have been licensed to Merck. This partnership enables Merck to distribute these antibodies worldwide and for researchers globally to advance their own cancer studies.

This antibody commercial licensing not only contributes to the field of cancer research, but also establishes Kingston University as a significant innovator in scientific studies.

Future plans for antibody innovation and commercial licensing

This partnership with Merck demonstrates Kingston University’s commitment to cutting-edge research. Building on this success, Kingston University is actively developing additional antibodies to support cancer treatment and broaden opportunities for antibody commercial licensing.

With a dedication to innovation, industry partnerships and expanding research, Kingston University will continue to deliver more pioneering solutions in the fight against cancer.