Twist, Cancer Research Horizons sign deal for antibody platform

Twist Bioscience and Cancer Research UK’s innovation arm Cancer Research Horizons have signed an agreement to license a “library of libraries”.

Twist’s complete library of libraries will be licensed by Cancer Research Horizons for a five-year period.

Twist will obtain a library access fee and will be eligible for annual maintenance fees. It will also receive a portion of the revenue generated from any assets sold or transferred.

Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation CEO Hamish Ryder stated: “We’re delighted to partner with Twist Bioscience, an exciting technology platform company that will enhance our antibody discovery capabilities with their highly diverse phage display libraries.

“We look forward to using this technology to accelerate the delivery of high-quality therapeutics and diagnostics to cancer patients, in collaboration with our academic and industrial partners.”

The library of libraries is a collection of synthesised antibody libraries, designed using naturally occurring sequences and incorporating innovative structural and developability features to encompass a range of antibody drug targets.

Twist Bioscience CEO and co-founder Emily Leproust stated: “Cancer Research Horizons acts as a conduit between academia and industry, with our collaboration enabling early-stage antibody identification through access to our “library of libraries.”

“With two mission-driven organisations aligning behind innovative technology solutions to improve health to make the world a better place, the opportunity to identify new biotherapeutics offers tremendous hope to those who need it most.”