By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 25, 2026 5:18 pm
The programme will establish a scalable manufacturing process for CanVirex's lead candidate, expressing IL-12, targeting advanced solid tumours
Recipharm and CanVirex have initiated a strategic process development collaboration to scale up CanVirex's proprietary Vero cell/measles virus manufacturing platform. The technology transfer between the global CDMO and the Swiss biotech firm is currently underway, establishing a robust manufacturing foundation designed to support upcoming clinical trials and achieve long-term commercial readiness.
CanVirex is advancing a next-generation oncolytic measles virus platform that destroys tumours directly while triggering local immune activation. The programme leverages more than 20 years of clinical data in engineered measles viruses, giving this therapeutic class a deeply established foundation of safety and experience. The company's lead asset, an IL-12-expressing oncolytic measles virus, targets hard-to-treat solid tumours—particularly those that are currently unresponsive to standard immunotherapies.
The collaboration between Recipharm and CanVirex started with feasibility studies on static culture systems to set up cell and virus banks, which proved that CanVirex's Vero cell and measles virus platform works for further development.
CanVirex selected Recipharm for its established expertise in virus manufacturing and its ability to offer end-to-end services for oncolytic viruses that require aseptic processing including large, unfilterable viruses.
Greg Behar, CEO of Recipharm, said: "This collaboration reflects Recipharm's commitment to supporting innovative oncolytic virus developers like CanVirex from process development through to GMP manufacture. Our experience with aseptic processing of large, hard-to-filter viruses makes us a trusted partner for CanVirex in advancing this important programme for patients with advanced solid tumours."
Dr. Werner Tschollar, Chairman of the Board of Directors at CanVirex, said: "Establishing a scalable manufacturing process is a critical step toward bringing our next-generation oncolytic measles virus platform into clinical development. Recipharm brings unique expertise in manufacturing complex viral therapeutics and provides a strong foundation for future clinical supply. Together, we are building the infrastructure needed to advance our platform toward clinical development and future patient benefit."
The project is delivered from Recipharm's Cuxhaven facility in Germany, a leading biologics manufacturing hub supporting the development and commercialisation of advanced therapies.