Nona Biosciences, a newly established wholly owned subsidiary of Harbour BioMed (HKG: 2142), has struck a licensing deal with US firm Dragonfly Therapeutics. The agreement grants Dragonfly rights to use Nona Bio’s heavy chain only antibody discovery platform (HCAb) technology and develop antibodies according to Dragonfly’s designated targets. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Earlier this month, Nona Bio also partnered with US mRNA specialist ModernaTX, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) in a USD 506 million deal focused on nucleic acid-based immunotherapies.
HCAb Technology Profile
The patented HCAb technology can develop a new generation of all-human heavy chain antibodies, which are only half the size of traditional IgG antibodies. These antibodies have similar pharmacokinetic characteristics and Fc-mediated effector functions to IgG antibodies, eliminating the need for humanization or other antibody engineering modifications. The absence of light chains addresses issues of light chain mismatch and heterodimerization, enabling the development of products that are challenging for traditional antibody platforms. Additionally, the platform can develop various new therapeutic antibody formats, including single-domain antibodies, bispecific and multi-specific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T, and other VH single-domain derivatives.
Partnership and Future Implications
Nona Bio provides R&D solutions to clients for next-generation antibodies and other biotherapeutic development, from discovery to the IND stage. Dragonfly, known for its pre-clinical pipeline of bispecific antibodies leveraging the innate immune system, has high-profile partnerships with Merck, AbbVie, Gilead, and Bristol Myers Squibb. This collaboration positions both companies to advance innovative therapeutic options in the rapidly evolving field of immuno-oncology.-Fineline Info & Tech
