A Medical Device Daily

Raven biotechnologies (South San Francisco), a privately held company focused on monoclonal antibody therapeutics (MAbs) for cancer, reported it has entered into an agreement with Monogram Biosciences (South San Francisco), under which Monogram will evaluate selected Raven monoclonal antibodies for use with its VeraTag technology for diagnosis of cancer.

"Raven's extensive library of antibody candidates that bind to antigens present at high levels on tumor tissue can be developed as therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies," said George Schreiner, MD, PhD, Raven CEO. "Through our collaboration with Monogram we hope ultimately to accelerate the development of targeted oncology therapeutics."

The Raven technology platform has generated well-characterized, high-affinity monoclonal antibodies to proteins on the cell surface that can be used to quickly identify and validate targets. The platform has delivered an extensive library of antibodies targeting novel and recognized antigens.

Raven is initially focusing on antibody-based therapeutics targeting lung, colon, pancreatic, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer.

Monogram's VeraTag technology can accelerate the development of targeted therapeutics, improve clinical trial design and results, clarify and individualize the selection of medications, and optimize outcomes for patients with cancer and other serious diseases.