Biovitrum signs deal for Affibody drugs

Biovitrum has signed a collaboration agreement with fellow Swedish firm Affibody with the aim of developing new targeted therapeutics for  inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

The accord consists of a defined protein target development  collaboration and a product license deal. Costs associated with the  collaboration will be absorbed within Biovitrum's capped running R&D  budget.

Through the arrangement Biovitrum gains access to Affibody's technology  platforms, as well as albumin-binding technology for pharmaceuticals  development. Affibody molecules are small, stable proteins that can  offer the same effects as large proteins, and in addition have potential  efficacy, safety, administration route and price benefits, according to  Biovitrum. The albumin-binding technology is designed to enhance the  efficacy of biopharmaceuticals by extending their circulatory  half-life.