Orion Oyj has secured an exclusive license for a monoclonal antibody targeting cancer, developed by Abzena, enhancing its oncology drug pipeline.

Target Information

Orion Oyj ("Orion") has secured an exclusive, targeted commercial license for one of Abzena's monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Abzena is a comprehensive contract developer and manufacturer specializing in complex biological medicines and bioconjugates. The licensed antibody is aimed at treating cancer, addressing a significant clinical treatment need. This acquisition enhances Orion's extensive drug research and development pipeline focused on oncology.

The antibody was designed and developed at Abzena's early-phase research and development facility in Cambridge, UK, utilizing the company's proprietary Composite Antibody technology (CHAb™). This integrated development platform facilitated the selection of the monoclonal antibody with optimal overall characteristics. Abzena’s researchers screened the antibodies based on multiple criteria including functionality, safety, and manufacturability, ultimately identifying the best candidate while mitigating risks that could adversely impact subsequent development processes and the eventual clinical outcome.

Industry Overview

The pharmaceutical industry in Finland has been experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing healthcare demands and an emphasis on innovative drug development. With a robust ecosystem of research institutions and growing investments in biot