_{Researchers Dr. Estelle Leclerc and Dr. Stefan Vetter, NDSU Pharmaceutical Sciences, with Pete Leland, VP, Genovac}

Researchers in the NDSU Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences are working to discover high-quality antibodies in efforts to help develop new treatment options for several types of cancer. Genovac, a Fargo-based contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CMO) that discovers, develops, and manufactures antibodies for therapeutic, diagnostic, and research market segments, and North Dakota State University announced a new research collaboration. The collaboration is also supported by Berkeley Lights, developer of the Beacon® Optofluidic System.

The primary objective for the collaboration is to advance the development of novel drugs and therapeutics to address the world’s most challenging diseases by enabling access to the world-class immunization and single B cell technologies.

"We’ve had the honor of supporting the antibody discovery efforts of leading biotechnology companies and research institutions across the United States, Europe and Asia,” said Brian Walters, Genovac CEO. “The molecules discovered through these projects and collaborations have served as the catalyst for new therapeutic drugs, diagnostic products and startup businesses.”

Researchers Dr. Estelle Leclerc and Dr. Stefan Vetter in the NDSU Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences have extensive experience studying activation and signaling of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which has been linked to diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, multiple types of cancer, and COVID-19. Specifically, the collaboration will explore potential therapeutic uses of RAGE-specific antibodies, with an initial focus on melanoma and pancreatic cancer.

“We are working to discover high-quality antibodies for rapid clinical testing and therapeutic product development,” Leclerc said.

Under the research agreement, Leclerc and Vetter will perform preclinical evaluation and characterization of Genovac-generated antibodies by way of biophysical characterization (epitope definition, binding kinetics, thermodynamics) and cell-based evaluation (inhibition of RAGE function in cells). Genovac will use its advanced genetic immunization technologies and the Beacon Platform to discover high-quality, high-affinity, RAGE-specific antibodies while providing additional functional characterization and production at its laboratories in the NDSU Research and Technology Park.

“Working with this type of research and technology provides students in our lab a unique opportunity to advance their skills as they prepare for future careers,” said Vetter.

The private-public collaboration has provided a rare opportunity for the analysis of a diverse set of antibodies to help identify the best candidates for therapeutic, diagnostic or research purposes. This unique approach emphasizes the significant impact that this collaboration will have on advancing the field of drug discovery and development.

North Dakota State University is an R1 research institution and a place where students experience opportunities to grow, contribute and prepare for fulfilling careers. The research portfolio for the College of Health Professions includes prestigious R01 grants from the National Institutes of Health, with research focused on the role of pharmaceutical sciences in disease prevention, disease treatment, and additional research to promote health.