Seeking Chemical Masking Platforms for Next-generation Conditionally Active Biologics

Daiichi Sankyo, a global pharmaceutical company, is seeking innovative technologies that generate conditionally active antibodies through site-specific chemical modification of the Fv region, enabling selective activation within the tumor microenvironment. 

Approaches of Interest:

• Site-specific chemical installation of synthetic masking moieties at CDRs, CDR-proximal positions, or neighboring framework regions to sterically suppress antigen binding 
• Selective conjugation to predefined amino acid residues. All conjugation chemistries are of interest, including engineered cysteine, lysine, tyrosine, glycan, and non-canonical amino acid approaches 
• Non-natural masking modalities, including PEG-derived, polymeric, and non-polymeric steric blockers with suitable physiochemical properties. Peptide-based protease regulation is in scope when introduced synthetically 
• Protease-triggered activation strategies that restore antibody function within the tumor microenvironment, enabling reversible or irreversible ON/OFF control of biological activity 
• Diseases of interest are oncology indications, with rheumatoid arthritis also in scope 

Out of Scope:

• Genetically encoded masks, such as protein or peptide masks including mimotopes, XTEN, affibodies, and coiled-coils, unless installed using a synthetic approach 
• Indications outside oncology and rheumatoid arthritis 

Developmental Stages of Interest:

• Opportunities from basic research through to preclinical research are within scope, provided there is validation in a relevant in vitro system 

Submission Information

Daiichi Sankyo invites applications from both academic institutions and industry organizations and welcomes proposals based on both existing technologies or methods and novel approaches. Applicants should complete the submission form which should contain a brief, non‑confidential overview of your proposal, demonstrating how the RFP requirements are satisfied by your approach. To submit your proposal, please visit our website, register, and submit your application form under the appropriate Connect campaign. 

Opportunity for Collaboration

Our client is open to a range of collaboration opportunities, with the most appropriate outcome being decided on a case-by-case basis. Example outcomes include licensing assets, project funding, and research collaborations. Eligible projects may receive funding of up to USD 0.5 million subject to project scope and approval.