Recipient: University Women's Clinic Würzburg
Funding: GO-Bio Phase I (01.06.2013 - 30.06.2016, 2.151.815 Euro)

Summary

In many cases of cancer, the affected cells produce excess quantities of specific growth factors or signalling molecules. This also applies to the growth factor GDF-15 (growth and differentiation factor-15). Increased concentrations of this soluble protein molecule, which can be detected in the blood, encourage the growth of tumours and the development of metastases. As part of his doctoral thesis, Markus Junker has created a monoclonal antibody that can specifically target the GDF-15 molecule, thereby blocking its effect. In a series of animal experiments, it has already been shown that it is possible to inhibit tumour growth by blocking GDF-15.

On the basis of these promising data, the antibody is now set for further development as an active substance for use in immunotherapy. In the first phase of GO-Bio funding, the antibody will be optimised for use in clinical trials and produced according to GMP standards. Initial work will concentrate on the adaptation of the active substance for use in humans, namely the ‘humanisation’ of the molecule. Further versions of the antibody as well as an accompanying diagnostic test will be developed in parallel. The drug candidates must then prove themselves in preclinical studies and toxicity tests.

Here, Junker and his team are cooperating with the Section of Experimental Antibody Therapy of the University of Tübingen and with the company Synimmune, which was founded in 2010 as a result of GO-Bio funding. The development of the accompanying diagnostics will involve collaboration with the company Vasopharm. The ‘Early Clinical Trial Unit’ of the University Hospital Würzburg is available for clinical trials. The project led to a venture-backed spin-off, called CatalYm GmbH.

Further Information

Markus Junker Research associate in the Tumour Immunology junior research group, University Women's Clinic Würzburg