Ablynx, Genzyme collaborate on multiple sclerosis research project

The collaboration also aligns with Genzyme’s early-stage MS research programs involving neuroprotection and CNS repair.

The neurodegeneration observed in MS is not directly targeted by currently available treatments and to address this unmet need Genzyme targets the underlying causes of MS disease progression by develop treatments to protect neurons and promote repair of CNS damage.

As part of the deal, Genzyme will have the right to perform in vitro and in vivo research with Ablynx’s Nanobodies in MS-relevant models in return for an exclusivity fee.

Following completion of these trials, Genzyme will have the option to negotiate a license agreement.

Ablynx CEO Dr Edwin Moses said: "As a leading biotech company, Genzyme is an ideal partner to demonstrate the potential value of Ablynx’s versatile Nanobody technology platform in MS.

"The formatting flexibility of Nanobodies makes them promising candidates for combining antibody-like selectivity and multi-specificity in a single molecule. We are looking forward to working for the first time with Genzyme."

Already, Ablynx has generated potent Nanobodies against the specific target of interest and confirmed their activity in pre-clinical models.

Genzyme Neuroimmunology Research vice-president Johanne Kaplan said: "We look forward to collaborating with Ablynx to evaluate the potential of Nanobodies against this CNS target, as this project supports our research that includes the exploration of novel therapeutic platforms to address unmet needs in multiple sclerosis."