Avacta signs diagnostic licensing deal with Biokit

Avacta, the developer of cancer therapies and diagnostics based on its Affimer and pre|CISION platforms, has entered into a license agreement with Biokit to incorporate Affimer reagents into a Biokit in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) product. 

Biokit is recognised as a Centre of Excellence with consolidated experience worldwide in research, development and manufacturing of assays and biomaterial solutions for IVD use.

The license agreement follows an extensive evaluation by Biokit of certain Affimer reagents to detect a key analyte. Under the terms of the agreement Biokit has the right to develop, manufacture and commercialise through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners a diagnostic immunoassay for this analyte.

Avacta will receive royalties on future sales of any products brought to market following completion of product development and regulatory approvals. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Dr Alastair Smith, chief executive of Avacta Group said: “I am delighted to have established this partnership with Biokit, a world-renowned IVD company, which further validates the Affimer reagent platform for diagnostics. Avacta’s diagnostics business model combines development of a wholly owned pipeline of products, including the SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen test, with licensing of Affimer reagents to diagnostic development partners such as Biokit." 

Dr Marta Palicio, innovation director of Biokit added: "Biokit is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Avacta. The agreement will increase the competitiveness of our customised assay offering for our partners. Avacta’s technology also enables us to innovate our assays with new reagents like Affimer reagents, an alternative to antibodies. We can now move onto the next stage of development, incorporation of this technology into new products. We hope this is the first of many assays containing Affimer reagents which will be developed by Avacta.”