Sonnet BioTherapeutics has contracted Oncobiologics to develop and manufacture four undisclosed biologic compounds.

The Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Sonnet BioTherapeutics is the first to leverage Oncobiologics’ BioSymphony Platform, consisting of in-house monoclonal antibody (mAb) development and manufacturing capabilities.

Lawrence Kenyon, Oncobiologics’ CFO, told BioProcess Insider the platform is used in a small biotech company setting, which results in a “more efficient and timely process for bringing mAbs forward.”

He continued: “Our goal, and the purpose of the platform, is to provide affordable, clinically important therapies.  On the biosimilar side, we believe that our capabilities should provide maximum pricing flexibility.”

Sonnet BioTherapeutics is a Cranbury, New Jersey-based immuno-oncology biotech. The firm is using its platform to develop single domain antibody fragments and combination therapeutics against tumors.

Sonnet’s four candidates are all innovative mAb-based therapies, Kenyon confirmed.

Biosimilars

The platform is also used for Oncobiologics’ own innovative and biosimilar mAb pipeline.

The company’s most advanced assets are biosimilars of AbbVie’s Humira (adalimumab) and Roche’s Avastin (bevacizumab), both of which have successfully completed Phase I trials.

“On the biosimilar side, we believe that our capabilities should provide maximum pricing flexibility,” said Lawrence.

Stelis Agreement

The announcement comes a fortnight after Oncobiologics inked a deal with Stelis Biopharma to form Bio2Source, a contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) partnership.

The joint service agreement brings together the mammalian cell process development and bulk drug manufacturing of Oncobiologics’ BioSymphony platform with Stelis’ microbial and fill-finish capabilities, giving clients access to a full range of services.