Oncode Accelerator Congratulates UMC Utrecht Spin-Off on Awarding of Grants to Bring Cancer Antibody to the Clinic

Novel IgA-based technology

The novel technology platform, developed by TigaTx, builds on antibody research at the Center of Translational Immunology at UMC Utrecht under supervision of Jeanette Leusen, PhD, Professor of Antibody Therapy. It leverages engineered monomeric IgA to bind to and potently activate neutrophils, unleashing their powerful anti-tumor killing ability to treat cancer. This technology yields IgA molecules that have drug-like properties and overcomes historical challenges associated with the manufacturing of IgA.

TigaTx B.V. started in 2018 as an UMC Utrecht spin-off, with Utrecht Holdings (the knowledge transfer office of UMC Utrecht) and Jeanette Leusen as the scientific founder. After a successful Seed Investment round, the company moved in 2023 to Boston, MA (U.S.A.) as TigaTx Inc. The funding by ARPA-H and NCI will allow TigaTx to advance its lead program TIGA-001 (an IgA-based monoclonal antibody) into clinical stage by starting First-in-Human studies. The distinct neutrophil activation-targeted mechanism of action of TIGA-001 has the potential to benefit patients with resistance or intolerance to current anti-cancer therapies.

In parallel, the new funding will enable TigaTx to expand its engineered IgA platform to develop antibodies for the treatment of infectious diseases. With increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and persistent and emergent viral threats, TigaTx will develop secretory and dimeric IgA as a new therapeutic class in this area of urgent medical need.

Revolutionizing cancer therapy

Jeanette Leusen said: ''The concept of engineered IgA-based neutrophil engagers that we have developed at UMC Utrecht has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy by harnessing the neutrophils’ innate killing power. Further expanding this new concept to dimeric IgA also opens a new frontier to address the growing threat of infectious diseases. ''

Valorization at UMC Utrecht

Despite promising progress, the road from laboratory research to clinical application remains littered with scientific, financial, and regulatory challenges. The high cost of clinical development and the need for advanced manufacturing facilities underscore the complexity of translating scientific discoveries into effective treatments. Nevertheless, progress in the development of IgA-based therapies illustrates the potential of these antibodies. As the first Utrecht professor with a valorization profile, Jeanette Leusen emphasizes the importance of knowledge creation for societal benefit, focused on patient welfare. In an academic setting this requires collaborating with biotech companies, protecting intellectual property, initiating startups, and participating in public-private partnerships such as Oncode Accelerator, within which Jeanette Leusen is lead of the Biologics Workstream, to translate academic research into practical applications that serve a broad societal interest.

UMC Utrecht, Utrecht Holdings and TigaTx Inc. have entered into agreements on the use of Intellectual Property Rights under which UMC Utrecht is eligible to a share of future revenues, which will in part be re-invested in the research that have led to these important findings to promote the further development of new therapies and thereby increase the impact on patients’ lives.

About UMC Utrecht

Every day, UMC Utrecht pushes the boundaries of healthcare improvement and population health. But being at the forefront isn’t enough. Together with their partners, UMC Utrecht aims to be a trailblazer, propelling Dutch healthcare to new heights. UMC Utrecht’s research stands at the cutting edge of innovation, encompassing six strategic themes: Brain, Cancer, Child Health, Circulatory Health, Infection & Immunity, and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells. UMC Utrecht’s dynamic, multidisciplinary approach places patients at the core of every initiative. UMC Utrecht forges strategic partnerships to create regional and international impact, addressing healthcare challenges and reducing health disparities.

UMC Utrecht is one of six coordinating partners of Oncode Accelerator, and leads individual consortia within the Oncode Accelerator Project. 

Dr. Jeanette Leusen is Professor of Antibody Therapy at UMC Utrecht and lead of Oncode Accelerator’s Biologics Workstream.

Source: UMC Utrecht