Catalent Increases Stake in Redwood Bioscience

Catalent Pharma Solutions recently announced that based on compelling data generated by the SMARTag ADC platform, it has increased its minority investment in Redwood Bioscience. The proprietary SMARTag precision protein-chemical engineering platform and novel toxin-linker technologies developed by Redwood enable the generation of homogeneous antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) engineered to enhance potency, safety, and stability.

Catalent announced in April 2013 that it had acquired an exclusive license to market the SMARTag technology and has subsequently collaborated with Redwood for the ongoing development and marketing of the technology. As part of the collaboration, Catalent took a minority equity stake in Redwood, which may increase over time up to a potential acquisition.

Redwood’s novel, site-specific protein modification and linker technologies enable the generation of homogenous bioconjugates engineered to improve performance and ease of manufacturing. Combined with Catalent’s proprietary GPEx cell line expression system, its recently completed state-of-the-art biomanufacturing Center of Excellence in Madison, WI, and broad range of analytical and fill-finish services, the latest investment marks a further expansion of Catalent’s capabilities to help customers develop more and better biologic treatments.

“The potential that we initially identified in the SMARTag technology has been borne out by the successful achievement of in vivo and in vitro proof of concept milestones, leading to our next phase of investment,” commented Barry Littlejohns, President, Advanced Delivery Technologies. “These studies have further illustrated that our ongoing collaboration with Redwood will offer significant and differentiating value to our growing number of customers looking to develop next-generation ADC therapies.”

Redwood’s novel protein conjugation and linker technologies overcome the limitations associated with conventional protein chemistries that produce heterogeneous products with variable conjugate potency, toxicity, and stability. The SMARTag technology enables site-specific, programmable drug-protein conjugation and uses only naturally occurring modifications to proteins requiring minimal cell-line engineering. The programmability afforded by Redwood’s technology provides control over conjugate configuration, generating ADCs with optimal efficacy, safety, and stability. The Redwood platform also enables the use of proprietary conjugation chemistry that reduces systemic drug loss and increases targeted potency. Redwood has developed an array of cytotoxin-linkers utilizing this novel chemistry, which are designed for optimal stability.

Redwood Bioscience is developing a precision protein-chemical engineering technology to produce the next-generation of antibody-drug conjugates and other semi-synthetic biotherapeutics. The company’s proprietary, SMARTag site-specific protein modification and linker technologies enable the generation of homogenous bioconjugates engineered to enhance potency, safety and stability. The Redwood technology employs natural post translational modifications found in human cells to site specifically create one or more aldehyde tags on protein molecules, including monoclonal antibodies. Redwood’s platform is enabled with precision chemistries, payload positioning, and defined stoichiometry of payload-protein ratios. This control afforded by the company’s technology enables the identification of superior drugs from libraries of differentially designed conjugates. For more information, visit www.redwoodbioscience.com.

Catalent Pharma Solutions is the leading global provider of advanced delivery technologies and development solutions for drugs, biologics, and consumer health products. With over 80 years serving the industry, Catalent has proven expertise in bringing more customer products to market faster, enhancing product performance, and ensuring reliable clinical and commercial product supply. For more information, visit www.catalent.com.