Finnish pharmaceutical company Orion Corporation (HEL:ORNBV) and Abzena, an end-to-end integrated CDMO for complex biologics and bioconjugates, announced on Thursday that Orion has obtained an exclusive commercial licence for one of Abzena's monoclonal antibodies targeting a cancer with high unmet clinical need.

This is expected to enhance Orion's oncology-focused research and development pipeline.

The antibody was developed at Abzena's Cambridge, UK, facility using its Composite Human Antibody (CHAb) technology and integrated developability platform. Abzena screened candidates for functionality, safety, and manufacturability to select a lead without downstream development risks.

A highly stable manufacturing cell line was generated using Abzena's AbZelectPRO cell line development platform. Abzena supports antibody programmes at its Cambridge and San Diego facilities, with downstream process development and GMP manufacturing up to 2,000 litres in the United States.