AGC : Contracted by Molecular Partners AG for the Manufacture of an Anti-COVID-19 DARPin® Program being Developed

AGC Inc.(AGC), a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, has announced that AGC Biologics (Headquarters: US), a CDMO^*1 subsidiary of the company, has been contracted by Switzerland-based Molecular Partners AG for the manufacture of 'MP0420', a drug candidate for COVID-19 treatment.

MP0420 is Molecular Partners AG's multi-specific DARPin^®anti-COVID-19 program^*2, which it plans to initiate clinical studies in the second half of 2020. Production will begin with 100- and 1000-liter scales, which is suitable for development and initial global supply for patients in need.

AGC Biologics has manufacturing sites in Japan, the US, and Europe, from which it provides a wide variety of high value-added services that range from process development to upscaling, clinical trials, and commercial drug manufacturing. The company has been selected as a manufacturing partner for this new therapeutic drug candidate for COVID-19 in recognition of its decades-long successful track record as a CDMO as well as the company's high-level quality and service advantages that are globally consistent.

The AGC Group is committed to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 and end this pandemic by playing its role in the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines and drugs for pharmaceutical companies.

REFERENCE

■ About Molecular Partners AG Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biotech developing a new class of custom-built proteins known as DARPin^® therapeutics, designed to address challenges current modalities cannot. The company has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development with a focus on oncology. The company has formed partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies to advance DARPin^® therapeutics across multiple therapeutic areas. Visit the URL below for more details. URL： Email：[e-mail]

Notes:
*1 CDMO: Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization. A company which is contracted or acts on behalf of another company to handle product manufacturing as well as the development of manufacturing methods.

*2 DARPin^® anti-COVID-19 program: a unique tri-specific approach binding to the spike proteins on the surface of COVID-19. Based upon preliminary potency data, a subcutaneous administration of MP0420 could function as both a therapeutic for existing viral infection and as a potential preventive therapy.