Singapore: Biotech firm, China MicroConstants, has signed a licensing agreement to gain the global rights for the development of AA98 antibody drug candidates for the treatment of various cancers, multiple sclerosis (MS), and age related macular degeneration (AMD) from the Institute of Biophysics (IBP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

AA98 series of antibodies were discovered by Prof Yan, Xiyun and act on a novel drug target, CD146, which is a co-receptor of VEGF. Over the past ten years, Prof Yan's lab has demonstrated that AA98 blocks CD146 functions and can be used for the treatment of various tumors, especially for the triple-negative breast cancer.

Prof Yan, Xiyun, director, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Drugs of IBP, is very pleased with the licensing agreement. "Through MicroConstants China's well established global drug development network and its global GLP/GCP compliance quality system, we will be able to expedite AA98 antibody drug development efforts. This will become a new model for industry and academic collaborations and licensing."

"The execution of this licensing agreement with IBP verifies our business model in drug incubation and is an important milestone for MicroConstants China," said Dr Q David Yang, chief executive officer of MicroConstants China. "CD146 is a novel potential drug target discovered by Chinese scientists and can be used for the screening of drug candidates for the diagnosis and treatment of variety of human disorders. As a world renowned scientist, Prof Yan's reputation is built upon her thoroughness in her research. Her work laid the foundation for the selection of AA98 antibody drug candidates. I am honored that Prof. Yan chose MicroConstants China as the partner for AA98 antibody development."