LONDON (ShareCast) - (Sharecast News) - Fusion Antibodies reported further validation of its OptiMAL discovery platform on Wednesday, saying its collaboration with the US National Cancer Institute had confirmed antibody binders to three cancer targets and that the NCI had asked to extend its use of the technology beyond the current agreement, which runs to November 2025.
The AIM-traded firm said the parties were now negotiating terms for an extended deal.

It said antibodies expressed and purified from independent cells "do bind each of their respective targets," with binding affinities in ranges consistent with commercially viable therapeutics, including "a number of hits with estimated affinities in the single digit nM range".

Fusion said it exceeded expectations and that the NCI had validated the antibodies' function against relevant human cells, with the next step being cell-based assays at the NCI to assess therapeutic potential.

Fusion added that OptiMAL generated hits against both proteins and linear peptide antigens.

Screens also identified weaker binders with estimated affinities above 800 nM, and the company said known antibodies of very high (picomolar) affinity could also be recovered, indicating suitability across "a nearly six-log dynamic range of affinities".

Work was continuing to optimise and expand the platform.

"We are very happy to report on the progress in securing validation of the OptiMAL platform by the NCI," said chief scientific officer Dr Richard Buick.

"The antibodies produced and purified by Fusion are now being tested in cell-based assays at the NCI to verify if they have potential to become therapeutic drug candidates."

Dr Mitchell Ho, deputy chief of laboratory of molecular biology at the National Cancer Institute, added that the OptiMAL platform was performing "very well" in their hands.

"Using the library, we have isolated binders for multiple antigens in cancer, and my lab is currently evaluating their potential for cancer therapy and/or diagnostics."

CEO Dr Adrian Kinkaid said the company was "extremely pleased" with the OptiMAL platform's performance to date.

"In some ways it has exceeded our aspirations. It is also most gratifying that the NCI, our key collaborators in the validation process, wish to continue using OptiMAL for years to come.

"I am confident this will help them fulfil their mission and to progress multiple therapeutic and diagnostic projects targeting the widest range of cancers."

At 0937 BST, shares in Fusion Antibodies were up 28.57% at 18p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.

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