Combotope Therapeutics has entered a strategic research collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim to develop first‑in‑class, tumor‑selective antibody therapies targeting cancer‑specific glycan‑protein markers. The Danish biotechnology company uses its proprietary SMART‑Phage platform to discover antibodies that recognize combined sugar‑and‑protein epitopes, or “combotopes,” such as tumor‑associated glycans Tn and STn presented on specific protein carriers. These composite markers tend to be more prevalent on cancer cells than on normal tissue, offering a more precise “address label” for antibody‑based therapeutics, including potential use in hard‑to‑treat tumors where existing targeted options are limited.
Under the collaboration, the companies will initially work on multiple oncology targets nominated by Boehringer Ingelheim, with an option to expand to additional targets over time. For each target, Combotope will deploy its SMART‑Phage discovery platform to generate high‑affinity, tumor‑selective antibodies against defined glycan‑protein epitopes and will deliver a characterization data package. Boehringer Ingelheim will take over subsequent research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of any resulting antibody‑based therapies.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but Combotope will receive an upfront payment and research funding on a per‑target basis. The company is also eligible for development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments across multiple targets, as well as royalties on net sales of any products that emerge from the partnership. Boehringer Ingelheim will hold global development and commercialization rights for therapies arising from the collaboration.
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