Singapore-based SCG Cell Therapy Pte Ltd (“SCG”), a leading biotechnology company, has signed a collaboration agreement with A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) to advance the development of multi-specific antibodies. The collaboration aims to accelerate breakthroughs in new antibody-based therapeutics, revolutionising how we treat chronic infections and cancer.

The collaboration will leverage BTI’s multi-specific antibody technology platform and SCG’s product development expertise for novel therapeutic antibody screening and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) process development to discover new treatment candidates for infectious diseases and related cancers, particularly the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). Such treatments could complement and augment existing drugs and result in more effective, safer and affordable treatments for patients.  

Multi-specific antibodies combine more than two antigen-recognizing elements into a single molecule, enabling them to target multiple antigens on the same or separate cells. This is especially crucial in the event of cancer. Multi-specific antibodies engage tumour cell and immune cell to promote immune activities, reduce immune escape, increase tumour killing selectivity, and disrupt cancer development or progression.

Dr Koh Boon Tong, Executive Director of A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute, said, “Multi-specific antibodies provide a promising platform for the development of novel therapeutic concepts, facilitating the production of safer, more effective pharmaceuticals. This strategic alliance will help strengthen BTI and SCG‘s respective fields of research and contribute to better health and social outcomes for Singapore and beyond.”

Frank Wang Shuli, Chief Executive Officer of SCG Cell Therapy said, "The collaboration builds on SCG’s strong international network and capabilities in product development, and BTI’s in-depth expertise in biotherapeutics technology and manufacturing process development"