Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services (Aji Bio-Pharma), a provider of biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing services, has entered into a strategic supply partnership with the Drugs for Neglected Disease Initiative (DNDi), for the supply of a CpG oligonucleotide, as part of a combination therapy used in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis infections. This project is supported by the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund.

Aji Bio-Pharma will manufacture CpG-D35, a class of CpG oligonucleotides, which provides a strong immunostimulatory effects. CpG-D35 will be used to stimulate innate immune response in patients as an adjunct to chemotherapies in treating complicated cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), persisting parasitic infections causing severely disfiguring and stigmatizing skin lesions.

“We are excited to be able to collaborate on this oligonucleotide with DNDi and support them in their efforts to develop and supply this quality of life improving therapeutic for people with leishmaniasis,” said Noriyasu Kataoka, Quality Manager & President, Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services Osaka. “We are pleased to be a trusted and innovative partner to our client, while reinforcing our dedication in improving the health of humankind.”

Over one billion people are at risk of leishmaniasis worldwide, which is transmitted by sandfly bites. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common presentation, with about one million new cases annually. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis is a complication of visceral leishmaniasis, which can appear months or years after completing treatment.