Fusion Antibodies (LSE:FAB) said the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking to continue working with the company’s OptiMAL® human antibody discovery platform following the successful completion of a validation programme that began in late 2023 and ran into this year. According to the company, the NCI has submitted a proposal to broaden the existing collaboration to include screening work on a number of defined targets.
Management noted that discussions held at a recent industry conference in San Diego went beyond near-term screening requirements, also touching on the possibility of additional projects that could deliver improved ownership or commercial benefits for Fusion Antibodies. While these talks are viewed positively, the company cautioned that negotiations around any expanded programme are likely to extend into early 2026 and will be subject to extensive formal approval processes within the US National Institutes of Health.
As a result, there is no certainty that an extension will be finalised or what the final terms may look like. Nevertheless, Fusion Antibodies said the NCI’s interest provides external validation of the OptiMAL® platform and underlines the company’s positioning within the antibody discovery services market.
Separately, Fusion Antibodies acknowledged that its overall outlook remains mixed. Ongoing profitability and cash flow pressures continue to weigh on the investment case, although recent technical indicators point to strong bullish momentum in the share price. The company reported no new earnings call insights or corporate events influencing its near-term outlook.
More about Fusion Antibodies Plc
Fusion Antibodies plc is a Belfast-based contract research organisation specialising in pre-clinical antibody discovery, engineering and supply for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Listed on AIM since 2017, the company provides a broad range of services, including antigen expression, antibody discovery through its proprietary OptiMAL® platform, antibody production and purification, sequencing and humanisation using its CDRx™ technology, and the development of stable cell lines for clinical use.
Founded in 2001 as a spin-out from Queen’s University Belfast, Fusion Antibodies has completed hundreds of antibody sequencing and humanisation projects for an international client base that includes major global pharmaceutical companies. The group focuses on leveraging advanced discovery platforms to help pharma and biotech customers accelerate drug development timelines.
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