Collaboration targets multi-specific biologics for solid tumour treatment

BioMed X, an independent biomedical research institute based in Heidelberg, Germany, has announced a new collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan. This partnership aims to drive the development of bi- and multi-specific biologics for innovative cancer therapies targeting solid tumours.

The collaboration, titled New Strategies for Targeting Solid Tumors with Multi-Specific Biologics (MTT), will take place at BioMed X’s Heidelberg facility. The project is focused on developing next-generation biologics, such as bi- and tri-specific antibodies, that can target multiple sites within the tumour microenvironment. These therapies aim to overcome the limitations of traditional treatments by leveraging synergistic effects of different antitumor signalling pathways and mechanisms.

The MTT initiative will address key research challenges, including Developing novel therapeutic concepts for bi- and multi-specific biologics targeting new extracellular or intracellular combinations for solid tumours; Identifying and validating promising target combinations through in vitro and in vivo research; Creating advanced in vitro assay systems to assess the functionality of new target combinations.

As part of this collaboration, BioMed X and Daiichi Sankyo are calling for research proposals from global scientists to contribute to this groundbreaking project. Researchers are encouraged to submit original proposals, particularly those with preliminary experimental data or utilizing cutting-edge machine learning tools. The project invites proposals focused on solid tumour indications, but excludes classical immune cell engagers, combination therapies, and modalities outside peptides or proteins, such as small molecules, nucleic acids, or gene therapies.

The selected research group will join seven other teams at BioMed X’s Heidelberg Institute, collaborating in a dynamic environment aimed at advancing cancer therapy. Interested researchers can submit their proposals through the BioMed X Career Space by 9 March 2025.

Christian Tidona, Founder and Managing Director of BioMed X, stated: “Partnering with Daiichi Sankyo on this project allows us to expand our oncology research and focus on next-generation biologics that could transform cancer treatment. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to pioneering innovative therapeutic approaches.”

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