CDMO Hovione and biotechnology company Firstgene Life Sciences (of Xlife Sciences) have collaborated to advance Hovione’s drug delivery platform for the targeted treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). “We are proud to advance the development of innovative oncology treatments that address a critical unmet need for precision gene expression at the tissue level,” said Hovione CEO Dr Jean-Luc Herbeaux. The virus-like particle technology will be engineered and functionalised for the specific carcinoma cell type using therapeutically validated AAVs, including a novel primer compound. Hovione will be responsible for molecular engineering, the supply of tailor-made virus-like particles and the execution of proof-of-concept studies. “HCC, the most common liver cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related death, continues to represent a major unmet medical need,” said Firstgene managing director Dr Alexander Zink. “The combination of Hovione’s expertise in complex chemistry and particle engineering and the commercialisation expertise of Xlife Sciences positions Firstgene well to offer patients potential new safe and effective therapy options.”   Read the full article at scientistlive.com    

Partnership advances liver cancer treatment