SpikImm, a biotech company established in 2021, has entered an exclusive agreement with SATT Conectus for the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the BK virus (BKV).
BKV, prevalent in early life, often persists latently. However, immunosuppressive treatments, such as those given to transplant patients, can reactivate the virus, leading to urinary tract complications. Kidney transplant recipients face risks of graft loss and bladder cancer, while bone marrow recipients may develop hemorrhagic cystitis.
Research by Prof. Samira Fafi-Kremer and Prof. Pascal Poignard has revealed the protective role of anti-BKV neutralizing antibodies. Building on this, they developed potent anti-BKV mAbs through the HuMABK project funded by ANR and SATT Conectus.
SpikImm’s partnership with SATT Conectus grants them exclusive rights to these mAbs. These antibodies aim to provide long-term protection against BKV complications, offering a solution for transplant recipients.
SpikImm’s expertise, demonstrated in the rapid development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs, aligns with the company’s focus on developing long-acting mAbs to protect immunocompromised patients from viral infections, including BKV and SARS-CoV-
• Exclusive option agreement between SpikImm and SATT Conectus for anti-BKV mAbs
• Antibodies engineered for effective and lasting protection against BKV complications
• Potential for a prophylactic solution for transplant recipients
• SpikImm’s expertise in antibody discovery and clinical development
• Focus on safeguarding immunocompromised patients from viral infections
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.
