Success Story

 

TELUM Therapeutics Partners with ProteoGenix for Custom Monoclonal Antibody Services in EpIeTTX1 Pharmacokinetic Monitoring

In the fight against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, TELUM Therapeutics is pioneering precision-engineered therapies by thinking outside of the drug design box. Their lead therapeutic candidate, EpIeTTX1, targets a deadly drug-resistant human pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii, which recently made the World Health Organization’s Bacterial Priority Pathogen List.

Advancing this innovative protein-based therapeutic required understanding how quickly this bacteria-killing protein is metabolized once it enters the body (pharmacokinetics).

Such a task required a highly specific monoclonal antibody that recognized the full-length EpIeTTX1 protein without cross-reacting to its degradation fragments once inside the body.

However, there was a problem: that monoclonal antibody didn’t exist.

“We initially considered internal development of the antibody, but quickly recognized the technical complexity and resource intensity of this task. [W]e had engaged with other vendors, but none provided the technical insight, flexibility, and collaborative spirit that ProteoGenix demonstrated.” — Dr. Robert Diez, COO, TELUM Therapeutics

Dr. Diez reveals what game-changing approaches ProteoGenix used to turn their dream antibody into a reality in this exclusive interview.

 

The Challenge: Detecting Intact EpIeTTX1 with Precision

Developing antibodies for EpIeTTX1 was no small feat. TELUM needed a custom monoclonal antibody that could exclusively recognize the intact protein in blood plasma, avoiding cross-reactivity with degraded fragments. “The structural similarity between the intact protein and its degradation products made this exceptionally challenging,” Dr. Diez notes. “Any cross-reactivity could lead to erroneous [pharmacokinetic] data, affecting dosing and therapeutic assessment.”

TELUM initially considered in-house antibody development but recognized the task’s complexity. Previous engagements with other vendors fell short, lacking the technical insight and flexibility required. “We needed a partner who could deliver not just antibodies, but highly specific analytical assays,” Dr. Diez recalls. This set the stage for ProteoGenix to step in and address a critical roadblock.

“The specificity required was a high bar—ProteoGenix cleared it with expertise and precision.”, clarifies Dr. Robert Diez, COO, TELUM Therapeutics

Why TELUM Chose ProteoGenix’s Custom Monoclonal Antibody Services.

When selecting a partner, TELUM evaluated several providers, but ProteoGenix stood out. “Their track record with complex, custom antibody programs and their ability to align with our scientific and regulatory demands made them the clear choice,” says Dr. Diez. Unlike vendors offering generic workflows, ProteoGenix provided tailored solutions for EpIeTTX1’s unique needs.

Key qualities that set ProteoGenix apart:

• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge in hybridoma development, epitope targeting, and assay design, including proteolytic degradation models.
• Flexibility: Customized immunization and screening protocols suited to TELUM’s budget and timeline as an early-stage biotech.
• Collaboration: “Their project manager maintained proactive communication…” – Dr. Diez

This partnership approach ensured that ProteoGenix wasn’t just a vendor, but a strategic ally in TELUM’s mission.

ProteoGenix’s Approach: Precision and Innovation

To meet TELUM’s challenge, ProteoGenix deployed a sophisticated, multi-step strategy.

“Developing antibodies that only recognized the intact EpIeTTX1 required extreme specificity to conformational epitopes.” — Dr. Robert Diez

ProteoGenix’s hybridoma technology proved ideal, offering both high specificity and scalable production capabilities.

A standout innovation was their custom proteolytic degradation assay, which simulated EpIeTTX1’s breakdown in plasma.

“This required deep molecular biology expertise—protease selection, protein engineering, and analytical method development.” — Dr. Robert Diez

This assay tested antibody candidates under real-world conditions, ensuring that only those binding the intact protein advanced.

 

Rigorous Validation Steps:

• Comparative ELISAs eliminated cross-reactive candidates.
• Western blotting and epitope mapping confirmed binding to the native protein.
• In vitro degradation assays ensured robustness in complex biological matrices like blood.

Flexibility was also a key differentiator.

 

“They adapted protocols to fit our budget without compromising quality. ProteoGenix’s degradation assay was a game-changer, giving us confidence in the antibodies’ specificity.
Adjustments to immunization and antibody screening pipelines, along with regular GO/No-GO checkpoints and proactive communication, kept us confident and well-informed throughout the process.”

 

The Journey: Key Milestones

• Antigen Design and Immunization: Optimized immunogen targeting conformational epitopes to elicit a strong immune response.
• Degradation Protocol Development: Custom assay mimicking plasma breakdown for precise candidate selection.
• Hybridoma Screening: Hundreds of clones screened via ELISA and orthogonal assays, narrowed to 94 positive hits.
• Top 10 Clone Selection: Clones validated for specificity and low cross-reactivity using Western blotting.
• Extended Applications: Antibodies contributed to ADA (anti-drug antibody) assay development for enhanced preclinical studies.

“The collaboration was seamless and scientific. ProteoGenix’s team was deeply involved, offering strategic advice at every step.” — Dr. Robert Diez

 

The Results: A Breakthrough for TELUM

ProteoGenix delivered 10 monoclonal antibodies with exceptional sensitivity, detecting EpIeTTX1 in the low nanogram per milliliter (ng/mL) range.

These antibodies enabled TELUM to develop a sandwich ELISA assay characterized by:

• High Specificity: No signal from degraded fragments, ensuring accurate pharmacokinetic data.
• Robust Performance: Excellent linearity and reproducibility across a broad dynamic range.
• Rapid Implementation: Quick transition from development to routine use.

“The quality of the antibodies transformed our [pharmacokinetic] studies.” — Dr. Robert Diez

With these new tools, TELUM was able to:

• Quantify intact EpIeTTX1 in plasma with confidence.
• Determine half-life, clearance, and exposure for dose optimization.
• Lay groundwork for ADA detection and tissue distribution studies.

“This milestone brought us closer to delivering a new therapy for multidrug-resistant infections,” explains Dr. Diez. “It validated our R&D platform and provided a complete analytical package for regulatory submissions and clinical trials.” The antibodies also supported new intellectual property and planned publications, strengthening TELUM’s position in antimicrobial innovation.

 

Would Dr. Robert Diez Recommend ProteoGenix to His Peers?

Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr. Diez praises ProteoGenix’s impact.

“The most valuable aspect was their ability to combine technical expertise with collaborative agility,” he says. “They understood our challenges, adapted protocols, and provided insights that overcame roadblocks.”

The partnership has lasting value:

• Product Development: The antibodies are now core to EpIeTTX1’s pharmacokinetic and immunogenicity studies.
• IP and Publications: New patents and peer-reviewed papers are in progress.
• Future Collaboration: TELUM Therapeutics is discussing next-generation antibody projects and diagnostic tools with ProteoGenix.

“I’d recommend ProteoGenix without hesitation. They bring scientific depth, flexibility, and exceptional communication, delivering quality with precision.” — Dr. Robert Diez