SynCo Expands Agreement with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals to Manufacture Cancer Stem Cell Antibodies

AMSTERDAM, May 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- SynCo Bio Partners B.V., an award winning GMP biopharmaceutical manufacturer, has expanded its current agreement with OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company developing novel therapeutics that target cancer stem cells. Under the expanded agreement, in addition to antibody OMP-21M18, SynCo will fill batches of OncoMed's investigational products, two additional antibodies in the OncoMed pipeline for use in Phase I and II clinical trials.

Announcing the agreement, Pierre Warffemius, CEO, said, "We are extremely delighted that OncoMed and SynCo's working relationship continues to strengthen and that SynCo has been able to support this leading biopharmaceutical company's clinical development effectively over the last two years. We look forward to a continued mutually beneficial collaboration."

Paul J. Hastings, President and CEO of OncoMed, said, "We are delighted to be working with SynCo on the manufacture of our novel antibodies targeting cancer stem cells. SynCo has been a great partner and has delivered excellent performance on our anti-DLL4 antibody, OMP-21M18, which is currently in Phase I clinical trials. Based on our positive experience working with them to date, we can think of no one more qualified than SynCo to continue providing filling operations."

SynCo will fill the OncoMed antibodies at its Amsterdam-based facility. This facility is able to fill a wide range of biopharmaceuticals into vials, including protein, polysaccharide, and live biotherapeutics using the latest automated filling equipment.

About OncoMed Pharmaceuticals

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage company that discovers and develops novel therapeutics targeting cancer stem cells, the cells believed to be capable of driving tumor growth and recurrence. A leader in cancer stem cell research, the company has established a library of antibodies to cancer stem cell proteins for the treatment of solid tumors such as pancreatic, breast, colorectal and lung cancers. OncoMed's lead candidate, OMP-21M18 is currently in Phase I clinical trials. In addition to OMP-21M18, OncoMed's pipeline includes several novel preclinical product candidates targeting multiple validated cancer stem cell pathways. Privately-held, OncoMed's investors include: Nomura Phase4 Ventures, US Venture Partners, Latterell Venture Partners, Morgenthaler Ventures, The Vertical Group, Adams Street Partners, De Novo Ventures, Delphi Ventures, Bay Partners and GlaxoSmithKline. Additional information can be found at the company's website: http://www.oncomed.com.

About SynCo Bio Partners B.V.

SynCo Bio Partners is a GMP-licensed bulk drug substance and final product CMO with clinical and commercial production experience in mammalian and microbial systems. This experience has been acquired by developing new production processes for a number of international clients and producing a wide variety of vaccines, recombinant proteins and live-biotherapeutic products in its state-of-the-art, GMP-licensed facilities since inception in 2000. Focused solely on biopharmaceuticals, SynCo acts as a strategic, long-term partner delivering product on time to the highest quality standards. SynCo's team is committed to exceeding customer expectations, taking a truly collaborative approach to contract manufacturing. For more information, please visit http://www.syncobiopartners.com

SOURCE SynCo Bio Partners