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Lund Sweden – Uptake Bio is developing revolutionary radioimmunotherapy drugs that have the ability to target radiotherapy to specific cancer cells while neutralizing the processes in tumor tissue that lead to treatment resistance. This technology opens up unique opportunities to leverage the synergies between the immune system and radiotherapy in cancer treatment. The company has been accepted into the SmiLe incubator program.
Uptake Bio's antibody-based drug candidate is based on research at Lund University and is primarily being developed to treat patients with aggressive and metastatic cancer. The team behind Uptake Bio – David Ulmert, PhD, Professor Per-Anders Abrahamsson, Kjell Sjöström, MSc and experienced life science executive, Professor Carl Borrebaeck, and the company's CEO Anki Malmborg Hager, PhD – have started several successful Swedish companies developing antibodies for cancer therapy and cancer diagnostics. Some of the companies include BioInvent International, Alligator Bioscience, Immunovia, Cantargia, and Diaprost.
Many of today's modern cancer drugs are based on immunotherapy, which stimulates the patient's own immune system to attack cancer. The problems that can arise after a period of treatment are that cancer cells develop a molecular shield that protects them from drugs and the body's immune system. Uptake Bio's new therapy has the potential to effectively destroy the shield and expose the tumor to the body's immune system. The therapy will be used for aggressive solid tumors where treatment resistance is often a factor from day one, and it is expected to be suitable for various types of cancer.
The company has initiated a funding round to start large-scale GMP production of antibodies for upcoming clinical trials. The market is very large and valued in the billions of dollars.
"We will produce our drug candidate for our clinical trials, which are planned to start in two years for patients who do not respond to treatment with the most modern therapies. Currently, there is no suitable drug for these patients with advanced cancer. We are truly excited to receive SmiLe's broad support in developing the company," says Anki Malmborg Hager, CEO of Uptake Bio.
"We are delighted to welcome yet another cancer pharmaceutical company based on cutting-edge research at Lund University to SmiLe. With our results-oriented processes, experienced coaches, and extensive network – combined with Uptake Bio's highly experienced team – we hope to provide the company with the greatest opportunities for success," says Ulrika Ringdahl, COO for SmiLe Incubator.
For more information, please contact:
Ulrika Ringdahl, COO of SmiLe, +46 736-566232, ulrika.ringdahl@smileincubator.life
Or
Uptake Bio:
Anki Malmborg Hager, CEO of Uptake Bio, anki@uptakebio.com, www.uptakebio.com
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