Antibody discovery specialist AbCellera Biologics Inc (Nasdaq:ABCL) has formed a strategic collaboration with RQ Bio, a developer of medicines based on broad-spectrum monoclonal antibodies, the two companies announced on Wednesday.

AbCellera and RQ Bio plan to identify optimal clinical candidates for up to three infectious disease targets selected by RQ Bio, including influenza and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

By bringing together RQ Bio's expertise in infectious diseases and viral evolution with AbCellera's discovery engine for finding rare, highly potent antibodies, the partners hope to provide long-lasting infectious disease medicines to high-risk patients.

Under the terms of the agreement, RQ Bio has the right to develop and commercialise therapeutic antibodies resulting from the collaboration. AbCellera will receive research payments and is eligible to receive downstream clinical and regulatory milestone payments and royalties on net sales of products.