Ablynx and the National Research Council Canada Sign Collaborative Deal to Develop Nanobodies for CNS Disorders.GHENT, Belgium -- Ablynx, a pioneer in the discovery and development of Nanobodies(TM), a novel class of therapeutic proteins derived from single-domain antibody fragments, today announced that it has signed a collaborative research, development and license agreement with the Ottawa-based National Research Council of Canada The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is Canada's leading organization for scientific research and development. History NRC was established in 1916, mainly to advise the government. Then, in the early 1930s, laboratories were built in Ottawa. (NRC NRC abbr. 1. National Research Council 2. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Noun 1. NRC - an independent federal agency created in 1974 to license and regulate nuclear power plants ) Institute for Biological Sciences (IBS IBS Irritable bowel syndrome, see there ).This collaboration will make an important contribution to Ablynx's discovery efforts in the area of neurodegenerative diseases neurodegenerative diseases diseases characterized by neurodegeneration. Lesions are microscopic only but in chronic disease with massive involvement there may be grossly visible atrophy of affected nervous tissue. . NRC researchers have identified a class of Nanobodies(TM) that, unlike many other drugs or conventional antibodies, cross the blood-brain barrier blood-brain barrier n. Abbr. BBB A physiological mechanism that alters the permeability of brain capillaries so that some substances, such as certain drugs, are prevented from entering brain tissue, while other substances are allowed to (BBB BBB A medium grade assigned to a debt obligation by a rating agency to indicate an adequate ability to pay interest and repay principal. However, adverse developments are more likely to impair this ability than would be the case for bonds rated A and above. ) in a selective and efficient manner. Ablynx will now collaborate on these BBB-crossing Nanobodies(TM) with NRC, to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS See Continuous net settlement. CNS See continuous net settlement (CNS). ). In the first instance, Ablynx and the NRC will evaluate the potential of these Nanobodies(TM) for applications in Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. . Dr Mark Vaeck, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Ablynx, commented: "The fact that NRC has identified Nanobodies(TM) that can, uniquely, pass the blood-brain barrier underlines the power and versatility of Ablynx's platform. We have already demonstrated the therapeutic potential of Nanobodies(TM) in several important disease areas like oncology, inflammation and thrombosis. This agreement with the NRC is the latest example of Ablynx's strategy to partner with leading experts worldwide to develop Nanobodies(TM) for important therapeutic applications." Commenting on the deal, Dr Gabrielle Adams, Director General of the NRC-IBS, said: "Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, have a high unmet medical need, both for better diagnostics and effective therapies. The unique properties of the BBB-crossing Nanobodies(TM) makes them ideal for use as components in novel diagnostic imaging products and as a means to efficiently transport therapeutic drugs into the brain. We are delighted to have partnered with Ablynx for the commercial development of our discoveries." Nanobodies(TM) are a novel class of therapeutic proteins that combine the beneficial features of conventional antibodies with desirable properties of small molecule drugs. Nanobodies(TM) have the affinity and selectivity of conventional antibodies yet are only a fraction of their size. About Ablynx Ablynx is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of Nanobodies(TM) for a range of human diseases. Because of their small size, unique structure and unparalleled stability, Nanobodies(TM) combine the advantages of conventional antibodies with key features of small molecule drugs. Ablynx is currently developing Nanobodies(TM) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, thrombosis, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions. Ablynx holds the dominant patent position in the field of Nanobodies(TM) and has exclusive rights to more than fifty granted patents and pending patent applications, including an exclusive license to the patents covering the basic structure, composition, preparation and uses of Nanobodies(TM) (the 'Hamers patents'). All products, including therapeutics, that contain Nanobodies(TM) are covered by these patents. Ablynx has raised over EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 33 million (over US$40 million) from a strong investor consortium including Abingworth Management (UK), Alta Partners (USA), Gilde Investment Management (The Netherlands), GIMV (Belgium) and Sofinnova Partners (France). For further information please visit the website at www.ablynx.com. About the National Research Council Canada (NRC) Recognized globally for research and innovation, NRC is a leader in the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology. It has earned a world-wide reputation for its research expertise, its track record of successful partnerships, its scientific standards and high-quality scientific and technical publishing. NRC operates world-class research facilities, and provides information, technology and innovation support networks for users in Canada and abroad. One of NRC's Ottawa research facilities, NRC-IBS conducts innovative research in the two principal areas of neurobiology Neurobiology Study of the development and function of the nervous system, with emphasis on how nerve cells generate and control behavior. The major goal of neurobiology is to explain at the molecular level how nerve cells differentiate and develop their and immunochemistry Immunochemistry A discipline concerned both with the structure of antibody (immunoglobulin) molecules and with their ability to bind an apparently limitless number of diverse chemical structures (antigens); with the structure, organization, and rearrangement . Research programs are carried out with partners in industry, universities, hospitals, and other R&D organizations. The institute also has a strong track record for transferring technology and knowledge to multinational, as well as small -and medium- sized Canadian firms. For further information please visit the website at www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca. |
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