Mapp and KBP expanding

Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. (Mapp) and Kentucky Bioprocessing (KBP) are expanding their ongoing collaboration aimed at developing, refining and producing low-cost pharmaceutical products for large, cost sensitive markets in global health. Mapp, KBP and Arizona State University previously announced an effort to develop monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) intended to protect women from HIV and other infectious diseases. Mapp and KBP today announced a new project to target development of monoclonal antibodies for use in immunotherapy for Clostridium difficile disease. Incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) continues to increase and is a growing concern of medical professionals.

Work on the new target will continue utilizing a tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) plant based production system. This system offers the promise of a versatile, rapidly scalable platform for production of large volumes of product. In addition to these features, plant based manufacturing systems offer the ability to develop products at much lower cost than traditional biotechnology production methods. By producing the host tobacco plants in enclosed growth facilities, the researchers expect to optimize the amount of product generated by each plant while minimizing any concerns over negative environmental impacts.

Mapp Biopharmaceutical, Inc. (www.mappbio.com) was founded in 2003 to develop novel pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, focusing on unmet needs in global health and biodefense. Mapp’s scientific team has demonstrated expertise in immunology and infectious disease as well as plant biology and the production of monoclonal antibodies in plants.

“This new project is further expression of the confidence that we have in the KBP team to help us define the optimum plant growth, extraction and production strategy and bring this important product one step closer to market”, said Mapp President Larry Zeitlin.

According to KBP Chairman Hugh Haydon, the company’s relationship with Mapp goes beyond the simple exchange of a fee for service. “Mapp’s expertise and focus on utilization of the tobacco production system along with their commitment to develop products designed to serve the public good is a perfect compliment to our own abilities and objectives. We continue to be honored to be included as a part of their important work”, said Haydon.