#USA #Telix #ImaginAb #Inglewood #CD8 ImmunoPET

ImaginAb Expands Horizons with Acquisition from Telix

In a strategic move to bolster the development of next-generation therapeutics, ImaginAb, Inc. has recently announced its acquisition of a cutting-edge biologics platform from Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX TLX; Nasdaq TXL). This significant transaction, detailed on January 23, 2025, brings forth a promising pipeline of therapeutic candidates alongside a proprietary novel technology platform for biologics and a dedicated research facility for protein engineering and discovery.

With the completion of this acquisition, ImaginAb plans to shift its focus towards refining its leading imaging candidate, CD8 ImmunoPET, which is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials. This innovative platform has caught the eye of numerous pharmaceutical and biotech companies, who are eager to integrate it into their clinical studies in immunotherapy, particularly in the oncology sector. Furthermore, ImaginAb will continue to collaborate in the enhancement of vital imaging modalities for prostate cancer, which are presently also in Phase 2 clinical studies and undergoing evaluation as surgical resection tools.

Dr. Anna Wu, the founder of ImaginAb, expressed her enthusiasm about the deal, highlighting, “We are thrilled that Telix recognizes the potential of our novel biological technology platform, enabling them to explore new disease areas utilizing advanced radiotherapeutic technology. Our scientific team has invested considerable effort and resources into developing these radiopharmaceutical agents. I congratulate all ImaginAb employees on reaching this important milestone, which further validates our unique minibody platform.”

This acquisition represents a pivotal moment for ImaginAb as it underscores the company's commitment to advancing the development of its CD8 platform technology. The firm is optimistic about the integration of its technology into the clinical studies of numerous pharmaceutical and biotech partners focusing on immuno-oncology, expanding its reach within this critical therapeutic area.

Jefferies LLC and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated acted as financial advisors for ImaginAb in this transaction, steering the process towards a successful conclusion.

About ImaginAb, Inc.

ImaginAb is a globally recognized biotechnology company that is currently in the clinical phase, generating revenue and innovating the next generation of radiopharmaceuticals and contrast agent products. The company specializes in proprietary products that incorporate genetically engineered antibodies, maintaining the specificity of full-length antibodies while remaining biologically inert within the body. By synergizing these agents with widely used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and optical imaging technologies, ImaginAb’s novel targeting agents are designed to bind specifically to target structures on cell surfaces.

Notably, the company is backed by premier venture capital and strategic firms, including Adage Capital, The Cycad Group, Norgine Ventures, Innoviva, Jim Pallotta from the Raptor Group, The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, and Merck (MSD) Pharma. For further information on ImaginAb’s technology and pipeline, interested parties can visit their official website at www.imaginab.com.

Spotlight on CD8 ImmunoPET Technology

The 89Zr CD8 ImmunoPET technology represents a significant advancement in medical imaging. This [89Zr]-labeled minibody binds to the CD8 receptor on human T-cells, facilitating quantitative, non-invasive PET imaging of CD8+ cells in patients. CD8+ cells play a critical role as effector cells in the immune response triggered by immunotherapies against tumor cells and are also involved in various autoimmune diseases. Consequently, quantitatively imaging CD8+ cells can assist in diagnosing a patient's immune status, gauging the effectiveness of immunotherapies, and predicting patient outcomes.

Exploring Optical PSMA

Additionally, the optical PSMA imaging agent (IR-800 IAB2 Minibody) further exemplifies ImaginAb’s commitment to advanced imaging. This fluorescently labeled minibody targets the PSMA receptor found on cancer cells, including prostate cancer, aiding in the non-invasive PET imaging of PSMA+ cells in patients undergoing surgical removal of cancerous tissue. Such imaging serves as a critical tool for surgeons, assisting in the identification of cancerous tissue and enhancing surgical excision efforts.

Through these innovative technologies and future collaborations, ImaginAb is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the fields of oncology and immunotherapy, promising advancements that can profoundly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.