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
Water, comprising over 70% of our planet, is the source of all life. The presence of emerging contaminants in our water, including pharmaceuticals, pose serious health and environmental risks, such as DNA damage, reproductive issues, and cancer. New equipment to detect these contaminants developed by VU researchers has been sold to other research groups all over the world. Now the researchers are taking the next step, together with IXA, to expand sales to water companies worldwide as well as other applications such as food and drug discovery research.
NewsAre you looking for a testing ground for your innovation? SAIL and the Amsterdam Marathon present an excellent opportunity to test your ideas. These major events attract millions of visitors and come with sustainability, accessibility, and logistical challenges that need fresh solutions. The In Residence Events program allows you to test your innovation during these […]
NewsThe Academic Workplace Rudolf Berlin Center (AW RBC) aims to make a meaningful contribution by supporting young people with learning disabilities through enhanced education and care.
News