ROCKVILLE, MD, USA I November 6, 2013 I Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) today announced that it presented preclinical data on its lead bispecific ADAPTIRTM (Modular Protein Technology) therapeutic, ES414, at the 5th Annual Protein and Antibody Engineering Summit (PEGS) in Lisbon, Portugal. The ES414 molecule was constructed using Emergent’s ADAPTIR technology platform and is being developed as a potential therapeutic for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

The presentation, “ADAPTIR Molecules: Unique Biology from a Flexible Bispecific Platform,” shared results of preclinical studies demonstrating ES414 is pharmacologically active and well tolerated. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have shown ES414 redirects T-cell cytotoxicity (RTCC) towards prostate cancer cells expressing Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), an antigen commonly found on prostate cancer cells. The ES414 molecule selectively binds and links the T cell receptor on cytotoxic T cells to the PSMA on tumor cells, triggering tumor cell destruction.

“The encouraging ES414 preclinical data support our efforts to both engage the scientific community and further generate partnering interest in our biosciences programs,” said Barry Labinger, Emergent’s executive vice president and biosciences division president. “We believe certain features of ES414 including activity at very low doses, minimal cytokine release on binding to target and T cells, and a long half-life, make it a promising molecule for continued development. Additionally, the company has a defined, scalable process for Phase 1 clinical manufacturing of ES414 and is proceeding toward filing an Investigational New Drug application.”

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with approximately 230,000 new cases annually in the United States. Although screening, radiation, surgery and hormone ablation therapy have greatly improved the detection and treatment of early stage prostate cancer, few options exist to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

About the ADAPTIR™ Platform

ADAPTIR bispecific proteins are modular, single chain polypeptides that comprise two separate binding domains, a hinge segment, and an effector domain (huFc). They have a differentiated structure from monoclonal antibodies and can generate a unique signaling response. Some ADAPTIR molecules, like ES414, may mediate T-cell cytotoxicity by redirecting T cells against tumor cells. In addition, other ADAPTIR proteins may mediate complement dependent cytotoxicity and Fc dependent cytotoxicity, similar to monoclonal antibodies. ADAPTIRand any and all Emergent BioSolutions Inc. brand, product, service and feature names, logos, and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Emergent BioSolutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All rights reserved.

About Emergent BioSolutions

Emergent BioSolutions is a specialty pharmaceutical company seeking to protect and enhance life by offering specialized products to healthcare providers and governments to address medical needs and emerging health threats. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com. Follow us on twitter: @emergentbiosolu.

SOURCE: Emergen BioSolutions