The University of South Australia has signed a strategic partnership with global immunology company argenx to advance the development of a pioneering molecule for autoimmune diseases.
The partnership - a first for argenx in Australia - will bring together the strengths of world-renowned regenerative medicine researcher, UniSA Professor Allison Cowin and her wider team, with argenx's antibody-engineering capabilities.
argenx has an established Immunology Innovation Program (IIP), working closely with leading researchers from around the world to develop precision therapies that target the underlying biology behind immunology-related diseases.
For the past 15 years, Professor Cowin's team has been developing a monoclonal antibody against a novel molecule that is still in pre-clinical development.
With the support of argenx, Prof Cowin hopes to fast-track progress on this new therapy.
Kathryn Evans, General Manager of argenx Australia, says the partnership will span key milestones, from early-stage research, with the goal of reaching clinical trials and registration.
"I am looking forward to working together with a team that puts such an emphasis on open communication, long-term partnerships and shared success," Ms Evans says.
"This partnership is being created as argenx continues to strengthen its commitment to Australia as a hub for clinical research and scientific collaboration, including increasing the number of clinical trials being conducted in the areas of neurology, immunology, ophthalmology and rheumatology."
Professor Cowin says her team at UniSA's Future Industries Institute "is thrilled to work with argenx to advance critical research into autoimmune diseases, which affect up to 10% of the world's population."
"These chronic conditions, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, are on the rise globally. We are working hard to find solutions, and we are incredibly grateful for the support of argenx to help fast track this research."
