Biovation's DeImmunization

Immunogenicity reduces efficacy of therapeutic proteins and has made it difficult to develop such molecules. Biovation Ltd. says its DeImmunization technology, which modifies T cell epitopes responsible for immunogenicity, can help solve this problem.

Last week, Biovation announced a deal to help Centocor Inc. to DeImmunize a number of undisclosed therapeutic proteins (see B4). Centocor, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, New Brunswick, N.J.), markets Remicade infliximab anti-TNF alpha monoclonal antibody to treat Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. and Europe...