Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa has joined forces with a California biotech company on immunotherapy innovation.
Moffitt and Virogen Biotechnology Inc., a clinical-stage company, will partner to expedite the development of fusion protein VG712, which the companies say enhances treatment options for cancer patients and advances immunotherapy research. No financial details of the partnership were disclosed.
Moffitt is the third-largest cancer center in Florida. It will offer Virogen priority access to its clinical expertise and resources, a release said, including trial activations, patient screening and data sharing. The goal is to get investigational therapies to patients quickly and efficiently.
In a phase 1 trial, VG712 demonstrated efficacy for treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, the companies said.
“This partnership perfectly aligns with Moffitt’s mission to prevent and cure cancer. We eagerly anticipate working with Virogen to accelerate the development of lifesaving therapies and improved treatments for our patients,” said Dr. Patrick Hwu, president and CEO of Moffitt, in the release.
The companies will co-develop next-generation targeted therapies.
“With Moffitt’s unparalleled clinical and research expertise, we are confident in our ability to fast-track the development of VG712 to meet significant unmet medical needs,” said Su Chen, CEO of Virogen, in the release.
