Akoya Biosciences, Inc., known for its advancements in spatial biology, and NeraCare, a renowned innovator in laboratory test development for melanoma prognosis, have entered into an exclusive international license agreement. This partnership aims to evolve and commercialize NeraCare’s Immunoprint test on Akoya’s advanced multiplexed immunofluorescent platform. Building upon their collaborative research agreement from earlier this year, this deal endows Akoya with exclusive rights to develop, market, and commercialize the test for clinical research, diagnostic evolution, or, upon regulatory approval, clinical testing of patients—either through laboratory assessment or as a distributable diagnostic solution via Akoya’s PhenoImager HT platform.
Melanoma, recognized as the foremost cause of skin cancer, records upwards of 235,000 new cases annually, with 80% classified in the early stages (IA/IB/IIA). While these patients typically undergo surgery and subsequent monitoring, they remain ineligible for the effective adjuvant therapies designated for later stages of melanoma. NeraCare’s Immunoprint test fills this essential gap by pinpointing early-stage melanoma patients who are at a high risk of recurrence, akin to later-stage patients, thus positioning them to potentially benefit from therapeutic interventions.
“The agreement capitalizes on the complementary strengths of both companies: Akoya’s expertise in market-leading multiplex immunofluorescence technology and NeraCare’s trailblazing development and rigorous clinical validation of Immunoprint. Together, we look forward to broadening access to life-saving therapies for early-stage melanoma patients globally,” stated Friedrich Ackermann, co-founder of NeraCare.
“Our collaboration underscores the adaptability of Akoya’s PhenoImager HT platform and highlights the transformative impact spatial biology can have in clinical settings. Immunoprint has achieved unparalleled success in identifying high-risk melanoma patients through multiple clinical trials, and our partnership aspires to provide a platform addressing the critical need for earlier therapeutic interventions,” echoed Daniel von Janowski, co-founder of NeraCare.
“Our exclusive partnership with NeraCare for Immunoprint represents a pivotal stride in our clinical strategy, offering Akoya and our pharmaceutical allies the chance to revolutionize melanoma patient care. We are privileged to collaborate with NeraCare in bringing this test to market, addressing a significant unmet need,” added Brian McKelligon, CEO of Akoya Biosciences.
As a leader in spatial biology, Akoya Biosciences is committed to unveiling the complexities of biology and human health through spatial phenotyping. The company provides comprehensive single-cell imaging solutions, empowering researchers to profile cells within spatial context and observe their structuring and interaction, influencing disease advancement and treatment responses.
NeraCare specializes in developing laboratory tests that predict the individualized survival outcomes of melanoma patients, with branches located in Frankfurt, Germany and New York, USA.