AGC Biologics collaborates with ATUM to accelerate drug development via advanced cell line technology

USA—AGC Biologics plans to expand its Cell Line Development Centre of Excellence by partnering with ATUM to integrate the Leap-In transposase expression platform into its service offerings.

Through this collaboration, drug developers will gain access to technology designed to increase yields while reducing the time needed to reach clinical trials.

AGC Biologics now offers the ATUM transposase-based platform as part of its growing portfolio of cell line development solutions.

The company provides various options that address different customer needs, from complex molecules requiring rapid development to projects with more flexible timelines.

This partnership combines cell engineering expertise to support the development of antibodies for oncology, viral infection treatment, and immune system modulation.

The Leap-In technology enables stable DNA integration into host cell genomes, which supports the rapid creation of productive and genetically stable cell lines.

This platform can reduce development timelines by an average of three months compared to traditional methods.

Additionally, the stable pools it generates closely predict final clonal line titers, allowing researchers to begin analytical activities and critical process development earlier in the drug development cycle.

Kasper Møller, Chief Technical Officer at AGC Biologics, addressed the challenges facing the biopharmaceutical industry.

He noted that customers face dual pressures of innovating with increasingly complex molecules while simultaneously getting to the clinic faster and more cost-effectively than ever before.

The partnership with ATUM directly responds to that need by providing customers with more options and flexibility rather than simply adding new technology.

Møller explained that the company plans to fully integrate both the miCHO and Leap-In technologies while continuing to optimize them.

This integration ensures AGC Biologics can help partners navigate their challenges and achieve success in bringing new therapies to market.

The incorporation of the ATUM platform expands the cell line development services portfolio, providing tailored solutions based on specific timelines, molecular requirements, and budgets.

These services are now accessible at AGC Biologics facilities across Europe, Asia, and the United States, giving customers global access to the technology.

Earlier this year, in May 2025, AGC Biologics collaborated with biotechnology company Quell Therapeutics to advance the development of several T-regulatory cell therapy drug candidates for the treatment of severe immune disorders.