Twist Bioscience has launched Revelar Biotherapeutics to develop and commercialise an antibody that neutralises all known variants of concern of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in preclinical studies.
In addition, Revelar will have the ability to leverage the antibody discovery and optimisation platform of Twist Biopharma to license additional antibodies for up to five targets over the next four years.
Emily Leproust, CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience, said: “In launching Revelar Biotherapeutics, we assembled an experienced executive leadership team with a proven track record of successful clinical and corporate development together with access to a series of antibody therapeutic leads. This transaction allows Twist to participate in the rapid advancement of therapeutic antibodies while remaining focused on our current opportunities in our core business as well as our biopharma and DNA data storage verticals. We look forward to having our first Twist Biopharma-discovered antibody enter clinical studies in 2022, pending the necessary requirements.”
David Scheer, Chairman of the board of Revelar Biotherapeutics, said: “In parallel with the development of the antibody to treat SARS-CoV-2, which we believe has the potential to be delivered subcutaneously, we intend to build a pipeline of novel therapeutics by leveraging the robust Twist Biopharma antibody discovery and optimisation platform. Pairing Twist’s ability to identify single domain and multifunctional antibodies combined with the broad development expertise of the Revelar team sets the stage to move the needle in treating unmet medical needs.”
Twist has committed to invest up to $10 million in seed funding based on Revelar’s progress in the development of the lead antibody and the potential licensing of additional antibody therapeutics.
“Building on data from a peer-reviewed publication in Science, Twist Biopharma optimised an antibody that neutralises all known SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern,” said Glenn Marina, CEO of Revelar. “We look forward to completing preclinical and CMC development in support of filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application that supports the initiation of clinical studies.”
