NlpD originates in beneficial bacteria present in the human microbiome and has been found to inhibit infection and inflammation in animal models. Lonza said this RNA polymerase II inhibitor can be purified in large quantities.

The Basel-based company explained that rather than targeting pathogenic bacteria, the protein can boost a patient’s immune system and enhance beneficial gene expression, helping to fight against bacterial infections.

SelectImmune will leverage Lonza’s early development services, which include non-GMP expression and laboratory-scale process development, to lay the groundwork for future pre-clinical studies of NlpD. Lonza will carry out early development activities at its Cambridge site in the UK.

Yvette Stallwood, Lonza’s head of applied protein services, said de-risking early on can maximize chances of success further down the development and manufacturing pathway. She commented: “The collaboration with SelectImmune illustrates the value in establishing the foundation on which to build an optimized clinical development program.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist