Matica Biotechnology Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of CHA Biotech, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to provide contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services to KaliVir Immunotherapeutics, a U.S.-based biotech company.

KaliVir is developing cancer therapies by utilizing its proprietary Vaccinia Enhanced Template (VETTM) platform for the development of oncolytic viruses optimized for cancer treatment.

KaliVir’s VETTM platform allows for the expression of multiple genes and facilitates systemic delivery. One of the leading candidates in KaliVir’s clinical pipeline, VET3-TGI, expresses both interleukin-12 (IL-12) and a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) inhibitor, aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients.

Under the accord, Matica will leverage its proprietary cell line, MatiMax, to develop an advanced production process for KaliVir's novel vaccinia virus-based therapies.

"KaliVir is excited to partner with Matica to accelerate the development of our oncolytic virus platform," KaliVir Immunotherapeutics CEO Helena Chaye said. "This collaboration will expand our strategic relationship through all stages of drug development, from process development to eventual commercial-scale manufacturing."

Matica Biotechnology CEO Paul Kim also said, "We are committed to supporting KaliVir's oncolytic virus development by utilizing our high-performance MatiMax cell line and expertise in cell and gene therapy (CGT) process development.”