Cobra Biomanufacturing signs long-term supply agreement to manufacture active ingredient for Advaxis's novel cancer treatment, to be manufactured from live bacteria
Cobra Biomanufacturing, a manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals, has announced an agreement with Advaxis to supply clinical trials and, potentially, commercial supplies of the active ingredient for its Listeria monocytogenes-based cancer vaccine.
This is Advaxis's leading product, due to start clinical trials as a cervical cancer treatment within the next 12 months.
Research done in the laboratory of Yvonne Paterson, scientific founder of Advaxis, demonstrates that an attenuated form of the bacterium Listeria can effectively induce the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Todd Derbin, chief executive of Advaxis, said: "We selected Cobra after a thorough evaluation of all aspects of its capabilities in GMP biologics manufacturing to the highest quality standards.
"It is very important to Advaxis to be working with a CMO that manufactures to US and European regulatory standards, and offers us multiple options in the planning of future clinical trials in a range of indications. "Cobra will support our manufacturing needs throughout this trial and in other projects.
"We look forward to working with them long-term as our manufacturing partner".
Cobra is already using its expertise for the production of L monocytogenes for the pre-clinical studies being undertaken by Advaxis.
This production will increase significantly as L monocytogenes moves into the clinic - with Phase I trials anticipated to last 12 months.
David Thatcher, chief executive of Cobra Biomanufacturing, added: "We are delighted that Advaxis has chosen Cobra as manufacturing partner for its lead product. "Advaxis is an exciting young company with a clear focus on developing safer and more effective cancer therapies.
"We intend for this to be a long-term commitment, providing material from pre-clinical to commercial supply.
"This contract is one of several won through our new North American office this year and demonstrates the real benefits we can deliver to our international partners."
