Strides Arcolab's subsidiary inks pact with German firm for ophthalmic drug

Strides Arcolab Ltd’s subsidiary, Stelis Biopharma (formerly Agila Biotech), focused on biotherapeutic drug development and bio-manufacturing, and Germany-based Pieris AG, a next generation therapeutic protein R&D company, have entered into a long-term collaboration agreement for clinical development and commercialisation of multiple novel Anticalin-based protein therapeutics worldwide, primarily focusing on ophthalmology.
 
The alliance deploys the synergies of Pieris’ innovative drug discovery and early development capabilities with Stelis’ strong bio-manufacturing and clinical development expertise. Under the terms of the agreement, Pieris will advance each collaborative program through in vivo proof of concept, at which stage Stelis will be responsible for drug manufacturing and advancing the molecule through a first-in-human clinical study. Following positive clinical data, the parties will co-develop programs under a joint venture.
 
Dr Anand Iyer, CEO of Stelis, commented, “Our alliance with Pieris demonstrates how Stelis’ strategic investments into state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are attracting partners with cutting edge biologics such as Anticalins, which hold great promise in the ophthalmic space.”
 
Stephen Yoder, CEO, Pieris, stated, “Today’s announcement is another example of how Pieris is finding innovative structures and committed partners to advance several Anticalins to the clinic in areas of high unmet need. Our strategic relationship with Stelis provides access to bio-manufacturing capabilities of the highest standard, yet in a very cost-effective manner.”
 
Pieris AG is an independent, clinical-staged biotechnology company advancing its proprietary Anticalin technology to create differentiated drugs that are safer and more effective than conventional approaches. Exclusive to Pieris, Anticalins promise to address high-unmet medical needs and expand the potential of targeted therapeutics. The company currently has a diverse proprietary pipeline and has, in addition to Stelis, ongoing R&D collaborations with Daiichi Sankyo, the Sanofi Group, Zydus Cadila and Allergan.