CMC Biologics to manufacture TriTAC molecules for Harpoon

Biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) CMC Biologics, part of Asahi Glass Company (TYO: 5201), today revealed it has entered into an agreement for the development and manufacturing of HPN424, HPN536, and HPN217, representing three TriTAC molecules for the treatment of various human cancers from California biotech Harpoon Therapeutics.

Harpoon Therapeutics’ TriTAC molecules are half-life extended and designed to simultaneously bind to cancer cells and T-cells, triggering those T-cells to attack the targeted cancer cells. Harpoon’s first clinical candidate, HPN424, a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting TriTAC, is in development for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and expected to enter Phase I clinical trials in 2018.

CMC Biologics will develop the molecules at its facilities in Bothwell, Washington, before they are transferred to its Berkeley, California, facility for manufacturing.

“We value our partnership with CMC Biologics as our CDMO for the development and manufacturing of our first wave of molecules entering the clinic,” said Gerald McMahon, president and chief executive of Harpoon Therapeutics. “CMC Biologics’ exceptional track record, expertise and guidance, and unique capability to ensure accuracy and quality will play a significant role in the successful production of our TriTAC molecules,” he added.

“With great strides being taken daily in the discovery and development of new oncology treatments, we’re delighted to be working with Harpoon Therapeutics on these exciting new TriTAC molecules, enabling CMC Biologics to participate in the roll-out of transformative new treatments with the potential to significantly impact patient lives,” said Gustavo Mahler, CEO and president of CMC Biologics.