Ajinomoto, XL-protein Forge Strategic Alliance

Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services and XL-protein GmbH, a German biopharmaceutical company, have entered a Strategic Alliance, under which Ajinomoto will apply its Corynex expression system together with XL-protein's PASylation technology for plasma half-life extension to develop a series of therapeutic compounds. Financial terms were not disclosed.
 
The companies have established the efficient production of a PASylated proprietary GLP-1 variant with extended half-life at lab scale yielding >3 grams soluble protein per liter bacterial culture including facile purification from the supernatant. The PASylated GLP-1 variant maintains high receptor affinity. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice have revealed a drastically prolonged half-life, suggesting potentially weekly or biweekly dosing in human patients. Ajinomoto has started a partnering process for this molecule.
 
Michiya Kanzaki, associate general manager, business development of Ajinomoto said, "We are very happy and excited about this strategic alliance. The alliance combining PASylation and Corynex expression technology will provide novel drug candidates with a prolonged half-life and cGMP ready production system with high yield, widening our offerings to the pharmaceutical companies and eventually a meaningful therapeutic option for patients."
 
"PASylation technology is the biological solution for plasma-half extension of therapeutic proteins and peptides. We believe that PASylation offers a simpler manufacturing process and superior pharmacological properties," commented Claus Schalper, chief executive officer of XL-protein. "We are excited to work with Ajinomoto as a leading Japanese life science company to further exploit the potential of our technology and to develop new therapeutic options for the treatment of metabolic diseases."

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