ABL partners with KaliVir Immunotherapeutics to advance development of oncolytic viruses

Manufacturing collaboration will give KaliVir access to ABL’s long-term expertise in smallpox and oncolytic viruses through adherent platform manufacturing

Rockville, Maryland (US), July 11, 2022 – ABL, a pure play Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specialized in the development and manufacturing of virus for vaccine candidates, gene and cancer therapies, today announces its partnership with KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, a privately held biotech company developing cutting-edge, next-generation oncolytic viral immunotherapy programs. ABL will manufacture KaliVir’s oncolytic viruses for its upcoming clinical trial. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The partnership will enable ABL to strengthen its brand-new fixed-bed bioreactor platform, to develop a new generation of oncolytic viruses. ABL will then provide KaliVir with the material needed to perform its first-in-human clinical study with oncolytic vaccinia virus derived from KaliVir’s proprietary VET^TM platform. This innovative therapeutic approach has the potential to impact millions of patients with unmet medical needs.

Since the 1990s, ABL has pioneered the development and manufacturing of viral vectors. The company’s adherent platform enables production of a substantial quantity of its oncolytic viral immunotherapy to cover the market’s needs. This collaboration with KaliVir will strengthen ABL’s global position in the large-scale manufacturing of oncolytic and smallpox viruses. This project is perfectly aligned with ABL’s strategy to develop its platform simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic, with a coherent international technological services offer.

“We are delighted to establish this partnership with KaliVir Immunotherapeutics,” said Arnaud Martin, global head of business development at ABL. “We will provide our expertise in project management and seamless technology transfer in manufacturing oncolytic viruses on a large scale, assisting KaliVir in getting its clinical trial underway.”

“KaliVir is pleased to collaborate with ABL as we prepare to enter the clinical development phase with our VET platform,” said Helena Chaye, PhD, JD, chief executive officer of KaliVir Immunotherapeutics. “Its expertise in the manufacturing of viruses will be vital as we develop oncolytic viruses for multiple types of cancer with the ultimate goal of helping cancer patients in need throughout the world.”

The rise in cancer around the globe and increased investment in R&D for effective therapies are driving the expansion of the oncolytic virus therapy market. This market should grow from $94.7M (€90M) in 2020 to $609.7M (€579.3M) in 2028.

About ABL, an Institut Mérieux company

ABL is a pure play Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specialized in the development and manufacturing of virus for vaccine candidates, gene and cancer therapies. ABL’s mission is to provide GMP viral vectors from early-stage to market, contributing to the success of its clients’ immunotherapy innovations. ABL’s CDMO services include bulk drug substance, fill/finish of drug products, process and assay development, and bioanalytical testing.

ABL is a subsidiary of the Institut Mérieux. It operates from various locations in Europe and the US.

www.abl-biomanufacturing.com