Avipep Pty Ltd is a biotechnology company specialising in the commercialisation of a new generation of antibody alternatives called AvibodiesTM . These targeted immunoconjugates have unique properties making them ideal for both therapeutic drug delivery and molecular imaging of cancer.
Avipep’s patent estate discloses a platform technology for producing, improving and customising AvibodiesTM to deliver cancer-killing drugs or attaching radioactive probes for rapid clinical imaging of cancer. Currently, Avipep’s primary focus is cancer therapy and imaging of prostate, ovarian and breast cancers.
In August 2008, Avipep secured NCRIS support for process development and GMP manufacture of Avipep’s lead clinical candidate, an ovarian oncology antibody, at Hospira Adelaide. Avipep has also received subsidised access to the pre-clinical research capabilities available at the CSIRO, and the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).
Cellmid Ltd is a Sydney-based biotech company committed to commercializing the growth factor midkine (MK) and its inhibitors for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Cellmid owns the world's largest portfolio of MK patents, including the use of MK and anti-MK agents for treating and diagnosing diseases, primarily autoimmune disorders, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Midkine is fundamentally involved in the development of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Cellmid is currently undertaking therapeutic antibody programs aimed at treating both RA and MS.
In 2010 Cellmid chose the AIBN NCRIS Biologics Facility to produce and purify its two leading antibody candidates for RA and MS pre-clinical trials. The facility was also engaged to test and confirm antigen binding and affinity.
Currently Cellmid is also validating a diagnostic assay for the screening and detection of early cancer. The AIBN NCRIS Biologics Facility was contracted by Cellmid in 2009 to produce and QC both the antibodies being used in this test.
