Patheon has entered a development contract with Inhibrx, a biologic immunotherapeutic company focused on high, unmet medical needs in oncology, infectious disease and inflammatory conditions.
Under the agreement, Patheon will develop production processes at its Princeton, NJ, facility and will manufacture products at its Brisbane, Australia location in support of a pipeline of future programmes with Inhibrx.
Initial development work will focus on establishing platform processes for Inhibrx’s cell lines.
Patheon Biologics president Manja Bouman said: "Early stage biotech companies are the pipeline for our industry and we are excited to work with Inhibrx on their development projects, supporting their strategy through our fast-tracked timelines, robust platforms and technology transfer methodologies.
"By working with our Brisbane facility, Inhibrx is eligible for a cash return under the Australian R&D Tax Incentive, a programme in which Patheon’s customers may receive attractive incentives, helping to ensure much-needed biopharmaceutical solutions are delivered to the healthcare sector."
Inhibrx CEO Mark Lappe said: "Patheon Biologics has the track record, customer service and scale to support our extensive pipeline of biologic therapeutics.
"We look forward to working together to rapidly bring innovative therapeutics to patients in need."
The announcement was made during a reception hosted by Patheon and opened by the Premier of Queensland, Australia, Annastacia Palaszczuk, on 14 June.
Annastacia Palaszczuk said: "The developments send a clear message that Queensland is a great place to invest.
"We have excellent infrastructure, talented scientists, the rigorous research and the drive to produce outcomes through partnerships.
"You also have a government in Queensland willing to work with business and the research community to grow a strong life sciences industry in the state, to create jobs for Queenslanders and diversify the economy."
Patheon’s state-of-the-art Brisbane facility plays a key role in the company’s integrated biologics business and global footprint, focused on clinical and commercial drug substance production for biotech companies.
Patheon also has biologics sites in St Louis, Mo, Princeton, NJ, and Groningen, the Netherlands.