Midatech sets up Anglo/American joint venture with Immunotope

Collaboration | Spin out

Midatech Group Ltd, a specialist in the development, synthesis and manufacture of biocompatible nanoparticles, has announced the formation of a joint venture with US immunotherapy specialist Immunotope Inc, to develop treatments for chronic vital infections and cancer.

The new entity, Syntara, will draw on technology from both parents to advance antigen- based immune therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Immunotope and Midatech will both license specific intellectual property to Syntara. The joint venture combines Oxford-based Midatech’s expertise and intellectual property in the area of nanoparticles with Immunotope’s experience antigen discovery and validation.  

Each company will have equal representation on the board of Syntara, which will be based in the US. Start-up funding is coming from the parent companies, with the intention to raise additional financing within 6-9 months.

Midatech’s nanoparticles are water-soluble and can be designed to either diffuse freely in vivo, or to target specific cells. They have a diameter of less than 5nm, meaning they are freely excreted from the kidneys, reducing the likelihood of in vivo accumulation.