Highlights - June 2008
Recepta is included in Nature’s June 2008 comprehensive report on the biotechnology sector in Brazil.
RECEPTA biopharma is a biotechnology company dedicated to the research and development of monoclonal antibodies to be used in the treatment of cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are biological molecules that have the capacity to recognize and attach to specific targets on tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies have already been established as an effective therapeutic option for cancer patients.
The company's principal scientific partner, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR), headquartered in New York, has licensed to RECEPTA biopharma the intellectual property rights of four antibodies with demonstrated potential for use in the treatment of several types of cancer. RECEPTA biopharma is dedicated to also generating new antibodies for clinical use.
The research, development and production of these products in Brazil involve a broad spectrum of competencies that include:
a) bioinformatics and molecular biology for the identification of new tumor targets and the generation of antibodies directed towards these targets;
b) cellular biology and biochemistry for the generation of cell lines for the pilot scale production of monoclonal antibodies and the demonstration of the viability of industrial scale production;
c) immunohistochemistry (IHC) for determination of the biochemical affinity of antibodies towards specific targets in tumor tissue;
d) experimental research for conducting in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical tests; and
e) clinical oncology for the conception and conduct of clinical trials (Phases I and II) in order to evaluate safety and the potential benefit of new therapies in cancer patients.
A Brazilian company, RECEPTA biopharma was founded using an innovative model - based on partnerships with universities, research institutes and hospitals - to optimize the utilization of the scientific and technological excellence of the country's research system. With the collaboration of internationally accomplished scientists, the Company is using technology innovation in biotechnology in order to respond to the needs of society and the Brazilian biotechnology market. All of these actions aspire to produce effective medicines and less expensive treatments.
The founding of RECEPTA biopharma is a consequence of the innumerable competitive advantages offered by Brazil in the field of biotechnology directed towards human health.