Fusion Antibodies (LSE:FAB) has announced continued advancement of its DR5 antibody programme, a cancer research initiative funded through the InnovateUK Launchpad scheme and undertaken in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. The project is focused on developing new treatment approaches for cancers that have become resistant to existing therapies.
As part of the programme, the company has successfully humanised a rabbit-derived DR5 antibody using its proprietary CDRx platform. Fusion has also engineered a number of antibody variants that have demonstrated strong tumour cell-killing potential and established a stable production cell line suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
The company said the use of microfluidic technology significantly accelerated development work, reducing timelines by around 50% compared with traditional methods.
Extended Funding Supports Next Phase of Development
The programme has received more than £808,000 in grant funding, including up to £545,000 of non-dilutive support allocated to Fusion Antibodies. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has approved an extension of the project through to 31 December 2026, allowing additional pre-clinical studies to be completed in relevant cancer models.
Management believes the extended development period will provide an opportunity to generate further data supporting the therapeutic potential of the antibody candidates and strengthen the programme’s commercial prospects.
Potential for Intellectual Property and Licensing Opportunities
Fusion expects the project to deliver data that could underpin a future patent application while also creating the potential for a licensable therapeutic asset. In addition, the programme is expected to provide a valuable case study demonstrating the capabilities of the company’s antibody engineering technologies.
The successful execution of the project could help strengthen Fusion’s position in the biologics development market and support future commercial partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Financial Outlook Remains a Key Consideration
While the company’s technical progress continues to advance, Fusion Antibodies remains influenced by broader financial challenges, including a lack of profitability and a negative price-to-earnings ratio. These factors continue to weigh on the investment case despite evidence of operational and technological development.
Limited recent corporate activity and the absence of earnings call data also restrict additional visibility into future financial performance.
More About Fusion Antibodies Plc
Fusion Antibodies plc is a Belfast-based contract research organisation focused on antibody discovery, engineering and pre-clinical development for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Its services include antigen expression, antibody generation, humanisation through the proprietary CDRx platform and stable cell line development.
The company works with an international client base that includes major pharmaceutical and biotechnology groups, providing specialist expertise across the antibody development process.
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