Novelty Nobility has expanded its manufacturing agreement with AGC Biologics to advance their bispecific Antibody Drug Candidate (ADC) through process development and GMP manufacturing at AGC Biologics’ facility in Chiba, Japan.

This second partnership, continued from the last year, underscores the successful track record and deep expertise AGC Biologics provides for developing complex biologics. The project leverages AGC Biologics’ global network, having successfully completed cell line development in Copenhagen, Denmark. The program is now on track for a seamless tech transfer to the Chiba site for the next critical manufacturing stages.

Sang Gyu Park, CEO, Novelty Nobility, said, "AGC Biologics has proven to be an ideal manufacturing partner for advancing our most complex programs. Their seamless global network—from cell line development to GMP manufacturing—gives us the confidence to move NN4101 forward with speed and precision. We believe this bispecific antibody has the potential to offer a truly differentiated treatment option for patients with neovascular retinal diseases."

Novelty Nobility’s bispecific ADC NN4101 is a first-in-class bispecific antibody intended for the treatment of neovascular retinal diseases. It uniquely connects a fully human anti-c-Kit monoclonal antibody with a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) trap.

Tadashi Murano, President, AGC Life Science Company, said, "Our continued partnership with Novelty Nobility is a testament to the trust and confidence customers have in our technical expertise and our global network's capabilities. Our mammalian expression teams are adept at handling complex proteins, and we are a world leader in applying flexible, single-use bioreactor technology. We are proud to support Novelty Nobility as they advance this innovative candidate toward the clinic."

The project highlights the power of AGC Biologics’ integrated global facility network, offering customers a seamless experience by combining world-class expertise with a strong regional presence. To further support growing demand in the region and globally, AGC Biologics is expanding its footprint in Japan with a new state-of-the-art facility in Yokohama. The Yokohama site is designed to utilise the latest single-use bioreactor technology to offer large-scale GMP manufacturing, making it one of the most advanced facilities of its kind in Japan.

Susumu Zen-in, Senior Vice President and General Manager, AGC Biologics, Chiba, noted, "When clients work with us, they tap into our entire global network which brings teams together for a seamless experience. This approach is creating wins for our partners and for AGC Biologics throughout the APAC region. The upcoming capacity at our new Yokohama site will only strengthen our ability to meet the global demand for vital biopharmaceuticals."