DSM and NKT Therapeutics Sign Contract for Lead Product Development and Manufacture

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DSM Biologics, a business unit of DSM Pharmaceutical Products, today announced the signing of a contract with NKT Therapeutics, Inc. based in Waltham, Mass, USA, the biotechnology company that focuses on developing therapeutics based on unique immune cells called natural killer T (NKT) cells.

The contract covers the process development and cGMP manufacturing by DSM of their lead product iNKT mAb.  NKT cells are a central part of the human immune system. Upon exposure to microbial and viral pathogens NKT cells secrete high levels of specific cytokines which stimulate the immune system to eliminate pathogens.

Karen King, President of DSM Biologics, stated, "We are delighted to be working with NKT Therapeutics, based in the US, from our European biomanufacturing operations located in Groningen, the Netherlands.  We are truly honored to be supporting their first clinical program from our cGMP operations."  With a range of mammalian bioreactor sizes from 50 liters up to 1000 liters and, process and analytical development capabilities, DSM offers development and production flexibility combined with economy."  

Dr. Robert Mashal, President & CEO, NKT Therapeutics, commented, "For NKT, advancing our lead program into cGMP manufacturing marks a significant milestone for the company, and we are certain we have found the right partner in DSM."  NKT's Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Alem Truneh, added, "Manipulation of NKT cells is an exciting new therapeutic strategy.  Following on the heels of our successful studies in primates, we are on track to file an IND next year.  DSM provides us with numerous options and flexibility in our manufacturing programs."

Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

NKT Therapeutics

NKT Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics based on unique immune cells called natural killer T (NKT) cells. The company's mission is to use its expertise to develop a pipeline of first-in-class NKT-based therapeutics to treat asthma, cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, and dermatitis. For more information about NKTT, visit its web site at http://www.nktrx.com

DSM Biologics

DSM Biologics, a business unit of DSM Pharmaceutical Products, is a global provider of manufacturing technology and services to the biopharmaceutical industry. In addition to the offering of world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing services, DSM Biologics provides and develops technologies relevant for optimized mammalian cell culture processes.  DSM technologies focus on upstream and downstream processing, leading to lower cost-of-goods and shorter processing times for all commercial mammalian cell lines.  DSM's manufacturing services provides companies with a turn-key biologic manufacturing solution reducing cost, risk and time to market.  More information: www.dsmbiologics.com

DSM Pharmaceutical Products

DSM Pharmaceutical Products is a global provider of high quality custom contract manufacturing and development services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. DSM contract manufacturing services include: chemical development, registered intermediates, registered starting materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's), mammalian cell production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins, formulation development, clinical trial manufacturing and finished dose form manufacturing of solids, semi-solids, and scheduled drugs, aseptic liquid and lyophilized products. More information: www.dsmpharmaceuticalproducts.com

DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance. Its end markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM manages its business with a focus on the triple bottom line of economic performance, environmental quality and social responsibility, which it pursues simultaneously and in parallel. DSM has annual net sales of about euro 8 billion and employs some 22,700 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com  

DSM Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of the management of DSM and information currently available. The statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore DSM does not guarantee that their expectations will be realized. Furthermore, DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release.

SOURCE DSM Pharmaceutical Products