VALANX Biotech & Fina Biosolutions Introduce ClickCRM for Rapid Conjugate Vaccine Development

VALANX Biotech and Fina Biosolutions LLC recently announced the signing of a joint IP and licensing agreement. The companies will launch ClickCRM, a ready-to-conjugate version of CRM₁₉₇, an antigenic carrier protein used for making conjugate vaccines. The new product enables the rapid, high-efficiency conjugation of carrier proteins to polysaccharide antigens for the generation of conjugate vaccines.

Conjugate vaccines, such as the pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines, have improved efficacy against bacterial infections compared with polysaccharide vaccines. Their enhanced immunogenicity is achieved through the conjugation of polysaccharide antigens to protein carriers. Using synthetic biology, FinaBio and VALANX have created ClickCRM, a product that will enable the precise conjugation of antigens to the widely used carrier protein, CRM₁₉₇. ClickCRM has defined conjugation sites generated via the incorporation of synthetic amino acids compatible with third-generation click chemistry.

Associated IP will be jointly owned. Under the commercialization agreement, VALANX will produce ClickCRM using its upstream platform technology to incorporate its proprietary synthetic amino acid which harbors a unique chemical group for conjugation. FinaBio will complete the production of ClickCRM using its proprietary purification and formulation methods for CRM₁₉₇. FinaBio will be responsible for the marketing and commercialization of ClickCRM.

ClickCRM is now available for purchase through FinaBio, along with their existing portfolio of research and GMP-grade carrier proteins.

“The development of ClickCRM demonstrates the functionality of our platform technology for accurate site-specific protein modification, whether for vaccines or therapeutics,” said Michael Lukesch, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at VALANX Biotech. “Combining our platform technology with FinaBio’s proprietary, patented method for expressing and purifying CRM₁₉₇ allows us to achieve high protein expression levels and excellent incorporation of our non-natural amino acid. This technological advancement will allow vaccine developers to implement ClickCRM in a cost-effective manner to ultimately deliver acceleration and affordability in conjugate vaccine development.”

 Andrew Lees, Chief Executive Officer at Fina Biosolutions, added “Conjugate vaccines represent an effective form of immunization for bacterial infections where the antigen induces a weak immune response. We’re pleased to offer this new product to our customers that will allow them to rapidly produce new conjugate vaccine candidates.” Andrew continued: “FinaBio has been a leader in developing technologies to simplify the manufacture of conjugate vaccines, making these complex vaccines more affordable. By allowing precise, defined conjugation, ClickCRM will meet current quality expectations of regulatory agencies. It is a welcomed addition to our other carrier proteins, including EcoCRM (CRM₁₉₇). It has been a pleasure to collaborate with VALANX Biotech to develop this exciting new product.”

To learn more about ClickCRM, visit https://finabio.net/overview-of-carrier-proteins/

VALANX Biotech is a biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing site-specific protein conjugation and the treatment of various diseases through innovative therapies. The Company is steadfast in its mission to advance innovative protein conjugate therapies that address unmet medical needs for patients and their families worldwide. With a commitment to scientific excellence, VALANX is poised to redefine the treatment landscape and, with lead program VLX101, to make meaningful strides in the fight against autoimmune disorders.

Fina Biosolutions is a conjugate vaccine R&D company, providing laboratory services, conjugation technology and consulting. The company was founded in 2006 by Dr. Andrew Lees with the mission of promoting vaccines through the development and sharing of conjugation technology. FinaBio’s conjugation chemistry is used by the Serum Institute of India, GSK and Pfizer, among others. The development of our FinaXpress E. coli platform has allowed Finabio to make CRM₁₉₇ carrier protein more affordable.  The company also serves as a strategic R&D partner and licenses its technology to companies globally.