22 January 2020 - - UK-based drug developer Crescendo Biologics Ltd has is highlighting the publication of a paper that demonstrates greater tissue penetration and in vivo efficacy of Humabody VH therapeutics compared to conventional antibody formats, in the scientific journal Cancer Research a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, the company said.

The study run by Dr Greg M. Thurber at the University of Michigan demonstrates that the level of tissue penetration by Humabodies plays a major role in therapeutic efficacy and illustrates the benefits of using an albumin-binding domain to extend serum circulation time.

Humabodies are small, in vivo matured human VH domain building blocks that can be easily assembled into multifunctional molecules. They can be configured for optimal target engagement in ways which can be challenging for regular antibody formats.

Dr Thurber's results confirm that the smaller size and specifically tailored binding configuration achievable with Humabody molecules can result in improved penetration into the tumour microenvironment and a greater cancer-killing effect using a preclinical in vivo model of prostate cancer.

Crescendo Biologics is a T cell enhancing company. Crescendo develops potent, truly differentiated Humabody VH therapeutics with a focus on innovative, targeted T cell approaches in oncology.

Leading its proprietary pipeline, Crescendo Biologics has developed CB307, a novel CD137-PSMA bispecific for the selective activation of tumour-specific T cells exclusively within the tumour microenvironment.

CB307 is designed to achieve a longer lasting anti-cancer effect whilst avoiding systemic toxicity and is on track to enter the clinic in 2020.

The company has a broad portfolio of additional Humabody products in preclinical development as well as a strategic partnership with Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where three Humabody products are currently advancing towards the clinic.

The company's ability to develop multi-functional Humabody VH therapeutics is based on its unique, patent protected, transgenic mouse platform generating 100% human VH domain building blocks (Humabody VH).

These robust molecules can be configured to engage therapeutic targets in such a way that they deliver novel biology and superior bio-distribution. This results in larger therapeutic windows compared to conventional IgG approaches.

Humabody-based formats can be applied across a range of indications beyond cancer.

Crescendo Biologics is a private company located in Cambridge, UK, and is backed by blue-chip investors including Sofinnova Partners, Andera Partners, IP Group, Takeda Ventures, Quan Capital and Astellas.