Abzena

Abzena is a biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and contract research organization (CRO) that provides integrated solutions for complex biologics and bioconjugates. The company offers a wide range of services spanning from early discovery through commercial launch, including antibody discovery, protein engineering, cell line development, process development, and cGMP manufacturing. Abzena specializes in the development and production of monoclonal antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and other complex biologics.

Founded in 2013 through the merger of PolyTherics and Antitope, Abzena has since expanded its capabilities and global presence. The company operates facilities in San Diego, California; Bristol, Pennsylvania; and Cambridge, UK. In 2024, Abzena is set to open a new cGMP manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, which will feature four modular suites, each equipped with up to two 2,000L single-use bioreactors. This expansion aims to meet increasing client demand for commercial-scale biologics production.

Abzena has developed several proprietary technologies to enhance its services. These include ThioBridge, a conjugation technology for improving ADC development; EpiScreen, a platform for immunogenicity assessment; and Composite Human Antibody and Composite Protein platforms for reducing immunogenicity risk in antibodies and complex biologics. In December 2023, Abzena partnered with ProteoNic to license their 2G UNic protein expression technology, further improving the production of high-yielding CHO cell lines.

Key customers and partnerships

Abzena collaborates with a diverse range of clients, from emerging biotechnology companies to large multinational pharmaceutical firms. The company has completed over 320 projects and has contributed to the development of 40 products that have entered clinical trials.

In December 2023, Abzena partnered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a publication demonstrating the benefits of the MHC Associated Peptide Proteomics (MAPPs) assay for immunogenicity assessment. This collaboration highlights Abzena's expertise in developing phase-appropriate assays for evaluating potency, efficacy, and safety of biopharmaceuticals.