Boan Biotech Authorizes Zencore Biologics to Use Its BA-HIEXcell® Stable Cell Line Development Platform

The platform can enhance the efficiency of biologics development by creating stable and highly expressed cell lines

Yantai, China, January 30, 2024 -- Boan Biotech (6955.HK) has entered into an agreement with Zencore Biologics Co., Ltd. (Zencore Biologics), granting the latter authorization to utilize its BA-HIEXcell^® platform for the development of antibodies and therapeutic proteins.

The agreement-signing ceremony was attended by executives from both companies. Representing Boan Biotech were Ms. Hua Jiang (Chairlady and Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Changlin Dou (Chief Operating Officer and R&D President), and Dr. Yanyan Zhao (Director of Biopharmaceutical R&D). Representing Zencore Biologics were Mr. Jianxin Chen (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), Dr. Paul Liu (EVP of CMC at Zencore Biologics US), and Dr. Junli Zhang (SVP of Manufacturing and ADC).

The agreement-signing ceremony

BA-HIEXcell^® is a proprietary platform of Boan Biotech optimized for the development of stable cell lines. The cornerstone of this platform is a highly efficient expression vector that boosts the expression levels and stability of exogenous genes. When combined with a rapid cell line screening process, BA-HIEXcell^® can produce monoclonal cell lines for production within just 10 weeks. The platform has been validated across various projects, demonstrating its capability to rapidly generating multiple highly expressed and stable monoclonal cell lines while reducing the screening workload. This cutting-edge platform is known for its industry-leading efficiency and high expression levels in cell line development.

Dr. Changlin Dou, Chief Operating Officer and R&D President of Boan Biotech, said: "The development of cell lines plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and process yield of macromolecular drugs, directly impacting their development efficiency and manufacturing costs. BA-HIEXcell^® optimizes cell line development and addresses the challenges of extended development cycles and extensive screening workload associated with traditional platforms. It efficiently produces high-yield, high-quality and stable monoclonal cell lines, can reduce development time to 8 months from DNA sequence to IND submission. This collaboration will expedite the development of Zencore Biologics’ drug candidates and lower the costs of their commercial production."

Jianxin Chen, Chairman and CEO of Zencore Biologics, said:  "As a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), Zencore Biologics offers comprehensive services spanning preclinical development to commercial production for biopharmaceutical clients worldwide. Dr. Changlin Dou is a prominent international expert in the field of stable cell line development. The BA-HIEXcell^® stable cell line platform developed by his team will complement our current cell line platform, with broader applicability to various projects.  This collaboration will enable us to enhance our services, providing greater efficiency and quality for our clients. We are thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with Boan Biotech on this venture.”

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About Boan Biotech

Boan Biotech (6955.HK) is a fully-integrated biopharmaceutical company developing, manufacturing, and marketing biologics, with a focus on oncology, autoimmune diseases, ophthalmology, and metabolic diseases. The company's drug discovery activities revolve around multiple platforms: Human Antibody Transgenic Mouse and Phage Display Technology Platform, Bispecific T-cell Engager Technology Platform, ADC Technology Platform and Cell Therapy Platform.

Boan Biotech operates across the entire value chain of the industry covering antibody discovery, cell line development, upstream and downstream process development, analytical and bio-analytical method development, technology transfer, non-clinical research, clinical research, regulatory affairs and registration, and commercial production. In the cell therapy field, Boan Biotech focuses on a new generation of enhanced and regulated CAR-T technology, developing safer, more effective, and affordable treatments for patients.

Boan Biotech’s portfolio includes two commercial products. Its pipeline includes multiple novel biologics as drug candidates protected for their international intellectual property rights and a number of biosimilar candidates. In addition to China, the company is also developing biopharmaceutical products in overseas markets, including the U.S. and the EU. Boasting a strong and differentiated portfolio as well as exceptional commercial capabilities across the value chain, the company is well positioned to achieve long-term and sustainable growth going forward.

About Zencore Biologics

Zencore Biologics provides comprehensive CDM services from preclinical development to commercial production for biopharmaceutical clients around the world. Specifically, its services include the CDM of macromolecular biologics and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the development and production of cell culture media and custom cell culture media, analysis & testing, quality control & registration, etc.