HCW Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ: HCWB), headquartered in Miramar, Florida, has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Akron Biotech for the commercialization of HCW11-006, a reagent used in manufacturing CAR-T cells. Under the agreement, Akron Biotech will market and distribute HCW11-006 to research institutions and commercial companies within its network. The deal includes pre-payment commitments for product sales, with HCW Biologics supplying research and cGMP-grade HCW11-006 while Akron Biotech handles distribution.
HCW11-006 is a multi-cytokine fusion molecule designed to produce CAR-T cells enriched in T-memory stem cells. It synergizes the effects of IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21 to generate CAR-T cells with enhanced T cell effector function and self-renewal capacity. It also stimulates the proliferation of CD8+ T cells, particularly within the T-memory stem cell subset.
Preclinical studies showed that CAR-T cells manufactured using HCW11-006 exhibited anti-tumor activity and antiviral potency in experimental models involving HIV-1 and B-cell leukemia. Those studies compared HCW11-006 with standard manufacturing methods using anti-CD3/CD28/IL-2 reagents. HCW11-006 is the first product created using HCW Biologics' proprietary TRBC platform to reach the commercialization stage, and clinical studies are planned to further evaluate the molecule. HCW Biologics develops fusion immunotherapeutics for autoimmune diseases, cancer and senescence-associated dysplasia.
Akron Biotech manufactures ancillary materials and provides contract development services for the cell, gene therapy and regenerative medicine industries. The company produces cGMP-compliant materials, including cytokines, media supplements and plasmid DNA. HCW Biologics founder and chief executive Dr. Hing C. Wong said the agreement marks the first product created using the company's TRBC platform to reach commercialization.
