Alma Bio Therapeutics SAS (Alma) and Delphi Genetics SA recently announced that they are taking their strategic alliance to develop plasmid DNA drugs to the next level.

Both companies view the partnership between Alma, a pioneer of novel curative therapies to treat autoimmune diseases, and Delphi Genetics, a leading developer of unique technologies for bioproduction of plasmid DNA, recombinant proteins and antibodies, a natural fit.
 
Alma focuses on developing therapies to cure autoimmune diseases. It is tackling Crohn’s disease, one of the two major types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), as its first clinical application. Currently prescribed IBD treatments aim to manage disease symptoms; they suppress inflammation and extend intervals between flare-ups, improving the patients’ quality of life.
 
Alma and Delphi Genetics have been collaborating since 2014 on generating a plasmid DNA drug for Alma’s preclinical efficacy studies. Under the terms of this alliance, Delphi Genetics will produce the plasmid DNA drugs needed to advance Alma’s pipeline and complete the regulatory studies necessary to submit an IND (Investigational New Drug).
 
Binah Baum, CEO of Alma said, “Delphi Genetics is an ideal partner. It has scientific excellence, high-quality bio-production services and an established track record with big pharma. We are delighted with the strong vote of confidence its management has given our game-changing therapeutic approach to treating autoimmune diseases. With their expertise, we believe our program to demonstrate safety and efficacy of our therapies in patients should move rapidly.”
   
This partnership places Alma in a stronger position to attract longer-term investment with the aim of preparing entry into a phase 1 clinical trial for Crohn’s disease in H2 2018. It gains access to Delphi Genetics’ bioproduction manufacturing capabilities, including Staby®, its antibiotic-free plasmid DNA production technology.
 
Cédric Szpirer, executive and scientific director of Delphi Genetics said, “Having received validation of our technologies by several big pharmaceutical companies for protein production, this partnership with Alma will be an additional milestone for Delphi Genetics. It advances our Staby® technologies in clinical phases to produce plasmid DNA in GMP grade according to regulatory guidelines"

"We are one of a very few manufacturers able to produce plasmid DNA and recombinant proteins without antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes. We achieve this at higher yields than classic bio-production", he added
 
Marc Dechamps, managing director of Delphi Genetics said, “Our partnership with Alma Bio Therapeutics represents an important next step in Delphi Genetics’ development and strategic direction. It allows us to accelerate our development as a key player in Europe for the bio-production of plasmid DNA for human use. It also strengthens the company’s dimension as a credible partner for companies involved in developing gene therapies and DNA vaccines.”