South Korea-based Samsung Biologics has signed a long term contract with United States-based Ichnos Sciences for manufacturing drug substance for ISB 830, an anti-OX40 monoclonal antibody in development as a potential treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, it was reported yesterday.

The company says that the product is based on an entirely new mechanism of action and has the potential to treat a range of autoimmune diseases beyond atopic dermatitis. Samsung Biologics and Ichnos (formerly known as Glenmark Pharmaceuticals SA) first entered into a Master Services Agreement in 2017 for Samsung Biologics to provide Ichnos with process optimisation and manufacturing services.

The company has started enrolment in a large randomised placebo-controlled Phase 2b study in atopic dermatitis and results are likely to be revealed in the first half of 2020.