Manhattan BioSolutions Signs an Option to Exclusive License Agreement with the University at Buffalo to Develop Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targeting a Multiligand Receptor Involved in Inflammatory Responses and Cancer

New York, NY, May 27, 2020 – Manhattan BioSolutions, Inc. (MBS), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery of the next-generation therapies for the treatment or prevention of cancer, today announced that the company has entered into an agreement with the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, on behalf of the University at Buffalo to collaborate on the development of a novel antibody therapy targeting a multi-ligand pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) implicated in both cancer and inflammation. This agreement includes a worldwide and exclusive license option for MBS to further develop and commercialize the product candidate emerging from this collaboration following MBS’ exercise of the option and execution of a definitive license agreement.

The new monoclonal antibody (mAb) was discovered by Drs Ding Xu and Miaomiao Li at the University at Buffalo and Dr Jeffrey Esko at University of California San Diego. This mAb binds to a functionally novel region on a well-established scavenger receptor, which recognizes a variety of ligands including damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Both the receptor and its ligands are linked to immunoinflammatory pathologies, age-related diseases, cancer metastasis and progression.

Dr. Ding Xu commented: “The primary benefit of this collaboration is the strong synergy between our research in inflammation and a biotech company expertise in the field of drug development.

Dr. Boris Shor, CEO of Manhattan BioSolutions, commented: “This agreement aligns with our focus to discover novel therapies at the intersection of innate immunity, age-related diseases and cancer”. We believe a therapeutic mAb that can target this molecule represents an exciting approach to potentially normalize tumor microenvironment or inhibit cancer progression and metastasis”.

About Manhattan BioSolutions

Manhattan BioSolutions, Inc (MBS) is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of immunotherapies that target innate immunity for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. MBS leverages two technology platforms for drug discovery: microbial based genetically engineered immune stimulator platform, and monoclonal antibodies against innate immune sensors that recognize pathogens or endogenous “danger signals” released as a result of tissue injury or inflammation.

Contact: Boris Shor, PhD | Founder | CEO ir@manhattanbiosolutions.com