Ablynx wins €1.2M grant for nanobody programme

Grant

AblynxNV has been awarded a grant worth €1.2 million by the Flemish agency for Innovation by Science and Technology (IWT).

The grant supports Ablynx in accelerating the development of its nanobody-based programme, ALX-0061, into clinical development for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Nanobodies are scaled down versions of antibodies, which typically show higher specificity and/or affinity for their targets.

ALX-0061 binds to the IL-6 receptor. It has a high potency and demonstrated a favourable pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and safety profile in pre-clinical testing.

Edwin Moses, CEO and Chairman of Ablynx, said ALX-0061 is a key programme in the Ablynx portfolio and the company is on track to apply for permission to carry out a clinical trial this year. “We are delighted with IWT’s continued support of the Nanobody platform and very pleased we will also receive support for our preclinical and clinical activities related to ALX-0061.

“This grant is a valuable contribution to the ALX-0061 programme, which we are advancing towards clinical development. There are already four Nanobodies in the clinic, with our lead programme, ALX-0081, a novel anti-thrombotic, in Phase II since September 2009,” Moses said.