Partnership to advance cancer virus therapy

Reithera and SillaJen have announced a significant collaboration to advance the development and production of the SJ-600 series, a cutting-edge anticancer virus platform. Under a comprehensive Master Service Agreement (MSA), Reithera will serve as the manufacturing partner for the SJ-600 series, guiding it through advanced development and GMP production to prepare it for clinical trials.

Based in Italy, Reithera brings decades of expertise in developing and producing vaccines and gene therapies, having played a crucial role in manufacturing vaccines for Ebola and Marburg virus outbreaks. This deep knowledge, particularly in working with Vaccinia-based viruses, positions Reithera as an ideal partner for SillaJen’s innovative platform.

The SJ-600 series represents a breakthrough in cancer treatment, offering the ability for repeated administration without triggering neutralisation reactions. It also enhances intravenous delivery by incorporating the complement regulatory protein ‘CD55’ on the virus’s surface, significantly improving its therapeutic potential. Developed by the SillaJen Research Institute and Professor Lee’s team at Seoul National University College of Medicine, the SJ-600 series has the potential to transform cancer treatment.

Reithera’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise in virus production ensure a seamless transition from development to GMP-certified manufacturing, providing the efficiency and quality needed to bring this promising therapy to clinical trials.

SillaJen’s CEO expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that collaboration with Reithera’s experienced team and advanced facilities would support the standardised mass production of the SJ-600 series and move the platform closer to licensing out for broader use.

Stefano Colloca, CEO of Reithera, added, “We are thrilled to work with SillaJen to bring the SJ-600 series closer to clinical application. This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing next-generation cancer therapies and improving patient outcomes on a global scale.”