Epitomics spins-out Apexigen to develop and commercialize humanized rabbit monoclonal antibodies

Epitomics, Inc. today announced that it has spun-out to its shareholders a new biotechnology company called Apexigen, Inc., which will focus on the development and commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for treatment of cancer and immuno-disorders. Apexigen was formed with exclusive rights to develop and commercialize therapeutic monoclonal antibodies derived from Epitomics RabMAb® (Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody) technology and the Mutational Lineage Guided (MLG) humanization technology, both of which were developed by Epitomics, for the treatment of human and animal diseases.

Apexigen will assume development and commercialization of therapeutic "bio-better" product programs initiated by Epitomics, including humanized antibodies against VEGF and TNF. A team of executives with extensive experience from Abgenix (Amgen) and PDL will lead the operations of Apexigen.   Dr. Xiaodong Yang has been appointed as President and CEO of Apexigen.

"Epitomics developed the cutting-edge RabMAbs® and MLG technologies that should enable us to develop "best in class" antibody therapeutics.  We are fortunate to be starting with a robust pipeline of therapeutic candidates that had already been in place when Apexigen was formed.  I am excited to accept the opportunity to lead Apexigen to the next stage of development." said Dr. Xiaodong Yang.

A service agreement between Epitomics and Apexigen allows Apexigen immediate access to the antibody generation, screening infrastructure and technical expertise of Epitomics.  As a result, Apexigen is able to operate with full support to all of its technical needs from the first day of operation.

"We believe that an independent company with experience, expertise and focused pharmaceutical product development offers the best opportunity to see technology developed at Epitomics have a direct therapeutic impact on peoples' lives," said Dr. Guo-Liang Yu, President & CEO of Epitomics. "Epitomics will continue to focus on its core business and assist Apexigen as it develops therapeutics to treat serious diseases."

Apexigen, located in Burlingame, CA, will be actively developing its internal therapeutic product pipeline and seeking to form collaborative relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products based on humanized rabbit monoclonal antibodies.