In this TechBullion Interview, Dr. Jennifer Bath, CEO of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies (IPA), brings a wealth of experience in cellular and molecular biology to lead the company’s mission of revolutionizing drug discovery. With a background spanning academia, vaccine research, and pharmaceutical consulting, Dr. Bath has spearheaded IPA’s transformation into a leader in the biotherapeutics industry. Since joining in 2018, she has redefined IPA’s approach, emphasizing the need for efficient, innovative, and cost-effective drug development.
IPA stands out in the competitive biotherapeutics space through its combination of cutting-edge technologies, scientific expertise, and business acumen. As a “hub of biotherapeutic intelligence,” the company leverages advanced platforms like LENSai, an AI-powered data harmonization tool, and its unique B-cell platform, enabling faster, more accurate antibody discovery and development.
Under Dr. Bath’s leadership, IPA has pioneered novel therapeutic strategies, such as bispecific antibodies and CAR-T therapies. Their success is built on strong client partnerships, allowing them to address complex challenges with custom solutions. In an evolving market, IPA remains agile by integrating science, technology, and business to stay ahead of trends, drive innovation, and improve patient outcomes globally.
Please tell us more about yourself and your mission at ImmunoPrecise Antibodies
My passion has always been the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, rooted in my academic background in cellular and molecular biology. Throughout my career, I’ve been dedicated to discovering, developing, and testing novel therapeutics and vaccines.
Prior to joining IPA, I wore multiple hats simultaneously. I served as a professor, ran a vaccine institute, and consulted for major pharmaceutical companies on operational best practices and regulatory matters. This multifaceted experience gave me a unique perspective on the challenges facing the industry.
My executive career began at Aldevron, a leading CDMO in the protein, plasmid DNA, and mRNA space. There, I focused on relationship building and aligning industry needs with operational initiatives, serving as an outward-facing, public-speaking figure for the company.
In 2018, I saw an opportunity to revolutionize drug discovery at ImmunoPrecise Antibodies. The industry was facing significant challenges: developing novel therapies was taking too long, costing too much, and carrying too much risk. IPA presented a blank slate to address these issues head-on.
Our mission at IPA is clear: to provide comprehensive capabilities under one roof, with the goal of building better drugs faster and more cost-effectively. We’re setting a new standard in contract research by innovating and getting the job done right the first time.
By rebuilding IPA from the ground up, we’ve created a model that meets the pressing needs of the pharmaceutical industry. We’re not just aiming to participate in the market; we’re here to transform it, making drug discovery more efficient, effective, and ultimately, more impactful for patients worldwide.
ImmunoPrecise Antibodies has positioned itself as the hub of biotherapeutic intelligence. Can you tell us more about what this means and how it differentiates the company from other players in the antibody discovery and development space?
First, we’ve assembled a unique blend of best-in-class technologies, cutting-edge innovations, and exceptional scientific acumen. This expertise extends throughout our organization, from our bench scientists to our client-facing teams. Unlike traditional sales approaches, we employ technical experts who can engage meaningfully with clients, regardless of the complexity of their challenges. These individuals apply critical-thinking skills to address client needs, leveraging our comprehensive capabilities.
Our business acumen is another differentiator. We’re flexible in our approach, adept at negotiating, and skilled at viewing partnerships, collaborations, and fee-for-service work from multiple angles. This versatility allows us to create tailored solutions that truly meet our clients’ needs.
A crucial aspect of being a biotherapeutic intelligence hub is our approach to data integration and harmonization. We’ve developed sophisticated methods to mine and analyze the vast amounts of data in our field. This capability has propelled us to a leadership position, distinguishing us from competitors in the artificial intelligence and machine learning space.
The combination of these factors — technological prowess, scientific expertise, business acumen, and data intelligence — has earned us a reputation for excellence. Clients trust us to deliver high-quality results consistently. Our track record speaks for itself, with extremely high success rates and the ability to meet demanding standards within rapid timeframes.
In essence, being the hub of biotherapeutic intelligence means we offer a comprehensive, intelligent, and integrated approach to antibody discovery and development. We’re not just providing services; we’re offering a partnership that leverages the full spectrum of our capabilities to drive innovation and success in biotherapeutics.
As the CEO of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, you are responsible for steering the company’s vision. What are your breakthrough products and how do you ensure that IPA remains agile and innovative in a rapidly evolving biotherapeutics market?
At ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, our commitment to innovation and breakthrough products has been crucial to our success, especially in the challenging biotech market of recent years. We’ve focused on two key areas that set us apart and keep us at the forefront of the rapidly evolving biotherapeutics landscape.
First, our AI stack, powered by our patented HYFT patterns, is truly unparalleled. This technology forms the backbone of our flagship software product, LENSai. What makes LENSai revolutionary is its ability to harmonize and analyze diverse data types across different modalities. Researchers can now integrate structural information about disease targets, genomic data from patients, and laboratory results into a single, comprehensive AI model. This capability is transforming precision medicine research, providing a foundation for the development of safer, more specific drugs with fewer side effects.
Our second breakthrough product is our B-cell platform, which we’ve been refining for over 15 years. Unlike platforms that focus solely on plasma B cells, ours can work with memory B cells, offering a broader and more informative view of antibody production. This platform allows us to gather detailed information about antibodies, their targets, and their binding characteristics within just one week. Moreover, we can extract the genetic code of these antibodies, providing a permanent record for further study and development. Our ability to work with various animal species, including our popular rabbit B-cell platform, gives us unique advantages in tackling diverse targets.
To ensure we remain agile and innovative, we’ve cultivated a culture that encourages creativity and forward-thinking across all levels of our organization. We actively engage with our clients, seeking to understand their current and future needs, and we’re not afraid to take calculated risks to develop new innovations that address these needs. This approach allows us to stay ahead of market trends and continually expand our capabilities.
Our vision at IPA is clear: to make drug development faster, better, and more affordable. By fostering innovation, leveraging breakthrough technologies, and maintaining close partnerships with our clients, we’re not just keeping pace with the biotherapeutics market — we’re helping to shape its future.
The biotherapeutics market has seen significant growth in recent years, with increasing demand for antibody-based therapies. What trends are you seeing in the market, and how is ImmunoPrecise Antibodies positioned to meet this growing demand?
The antibody-based therapeutics market is experiencing tremendous growth, including in oncology, inflammation, autoimmune, and infectious diseases. The COVID pandemic really showcased the power of antibody drugs, accelerating interest across the board.
At IPA, we’re not just observing these trends — we’re driving them. We’re at the forefront of innovation in antibody engineering and development. The diseases we’re tackling now are significantly more complex than those we faced a decade or two ago, and this complexity is pushing us to innovate continuously.
We’re seeing — and more importantly, meeting — increased demand for advanced antibody formats. We’ve developed cutting-edge capabilities in bispecific and multi-specific antibodies, allowing us to create therapies that can bind to multiple targets simultaneously. Our work in VHH antibodies is breaking new ground, and we’re making strides in supporting CAR-T therapies, where antibodies are expressed on T cells for enhanced tumor-targeting. We’re also attacking antibody discovery challenges to support antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), where payloads can be delivered directly into cells.
These innovations aren’t just theoretical — they’re translating into real clinical breakthroughs, offering new hope for diseases that have long resisted traditional treatments.
Our ability to stay at the cutting edge comes from our deep client relationships. We don’t operate as a typical service provider; we’re true partners in the research process. Our teams regularly collaborate with client research groups, functioning almost as an extension of their labs. This close interaction allows us to anticipate future needs and innovate proactively.
A prime example of our forward-thinking approach is our llama B-cell platform. We developed this in direct response to our clients’ needs for alternative antibody modalities like VHHs. It wasn’t available anywhere else in the industry, so we built it ourselves. Now, it’s garnering significant attention and driving new possibilities in antibody development.
At IPA, we believe that leading in this field requires more than just technical expertise — it demands a deep understanding of where the industry is heading. By maintaining close relationships with our clients and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we’re not just keeping pace with the biotherapeutics revolution – we’re helping to lead it.
One of ImmunoPrecise Antibodies’ strengths is its hybrid approach, combining expertise in science, technology, and business. Can you explain how this unique structure impacts your operational excellence and client outcomes?
Our hybrid approach at ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, combining expertise in science, technology, and business, is really the cornerstone of our operational excellence and the exceptional outcomes we deliver for our clients.
It all starts with our commitment to being an extension of our clients’ labs. We’re not just service providers; we’re partners who listen intently to their demands and needs. This deep understanding allows us to constantly evaluate which technologies we should bring to the table and identify the strongest, most validated scientific trends that could benefit our clients.
Our business acumen plays a crucial role here. We don’t just look at the science in isolation; we understand the business case and potential market for each scientific advancement. This holistic view ensures that our innovations are not only scientifically sound but also commercially viable.
A prime example of how this hybrid approach impacts our operational excellence is our LENSai platform. It’s revolutionizing processes like epitope mapping and binning, which are critical for understanding drug mechanisms. What used to take days or weeks can now be done in about two hours, with reduced costs and exceptional speed. And importantly, the results are validated and trustworthy.
This integration of expertise and technology has transformed how our clients experience working with us. It’s changed their understanding of what’s possible in terms of timelines and quality. They now have a new level of trust in the output we provide, which is incredibly valuable in this industry.
Our hybrid approach also means we’re always looking ahead, anticipating future needs and trends. We’re not just reacting to the market; we’re helping to shape it. This forward-thinking mindset, combined with our scientific rigor and technological capabilities, allows us to consistently deliver excellence and drive innovation in ways that truly matter to our clients.
In essence, our unique structure allows us to speak the language of science, technology, and business fluently. This comprehensive understanding translates directly into operational excellence and superior outcomes for our clients, setting us apart in the biotherapeutics space.
ImmunoPrecise Antibodies operates in a highly competitive field. What are the key factors that contribute to your competitive edge in the antibody discovery and development market?
Our competitive edge at ImmunoPrecise Antibodies really boils down to a few key factors that set us apart in the antibody discovery and development market.
First and foremost, we offer truly end-to-end capabilities, but we don’t just stop at having everything in-house. We ensure that every step is executed with scientific rigor and excellence. We’re not content with off-the-shelf solutions or simply buying equipment and claiming we offer a service. Instead, we often develop proprietary or patented capabilities and tools from scratch to meet specific needs. This commitment to custom solutions allows us to go beyond the industry status quo.
Another crucial factor is our flexibility and customization. We don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to antibody discovery and characterization. When a client brings us a project, we take the time to truly understand their needs and objectives. Then, we leverage our diverse toolkit to create a tailored process. This might involve using our data analytics tools and AI platform, powered by our unique HYFT patterns, to gain insights that others simply can’t access. This deep understanding informs how we develop the best possible drug for each specific case.
Our ability to work across different antibody formats is also a significant advantage. Whether it’s bispecific, multi-specific, or VHH formats, we can prepare antibodies in the most beneficial format for the disease we’re targeting. This versatility is something many of our competitors, who often specialize in just one or two areas, can’t match.
We’ve also made sure that we can offer the full scope of what pharma might need, meeting all demands with operational excellence. This comprehensive approach means clients can rely on us for the entire process, from discovery to development, knowing that we’ll deliver a product that works the first time.
Lastly, our competitive edge comes from our data-driven approach. We use massive amounts of data to inform our decisions, significantly increasing the probability of clinical success for the products we develop.
In essence, our competitive edge stems from our ability to truly customize programs, determine the best path forward, implement it to the highest standards in the lab, and leverage extensive data to produce antibodies with the highest probability of clinical success. It’s this combination of customization, comprehensive capabilities, and data-driven decision-making that really sets us apart in this highly competitive field.
The therapeutic antibody development process is complex and lengthy. How does ImmunoPrecise Antibodies streamline this process to ensure faster timelines without compromising quality?
At ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, we’ve developed a multi-faceted approach to streamline the therapeutic antibody development process without compromising quality. It’s all about working smarter, not just faster.
First and foremost, we put a lot of emphasis on understanding the program or targeting thoroughly before we even start building the therapeutic. This upfront investment in understanding is crucial. Many in the industry rush into using their standard, non-specialized tools for every job, which often leads to inefficiencies down the line. We take the time to design the program properly from the get-go, ensuring we know exactly what the drug needs to look like to be successful. This approach saves time, energy, and money by doing it right the first time.
A key component of our streamlined process is our proprietary AI platform, LENSai. It’s truly our secret weapon in building better, safer drugs faster. LENSai is unparalleled in the amount of data it can manage and the speed at which it provides information back to our research teams. It’s powered by our patented HYFT patterns, which allow it to access and analyze any type of data rapidly. Instead of sifting through every piece of information, it uses a very finite pattern recognition to make connections and inform drug development.
What’s really game-changing about LENSai is that we can use it throughout the entire process in parallel. When we need additional data to inform the next step or when we’re at a decision point, LENSai can perform the analysis right there, without adding another step to the process. This continuous, data-driven approach ensures that every step we take is the right one, and we’re always informed by the latest insights.
Moreover, LENSai allows us to be adaptive. If there’s an unexpected output or new sequence information, we can feed that back into the system. LENSai can then inform or make a case for how to make the next step even better. This doesn’t add time to the process because it happens simultaneously, in parallel with our other work.
By combining this deep understanding of each project’s unique needs with our cutting-edge AI capabilities, we’re able to significantly streamline the antibody development process. We’re not just working faster; we’re working smarter, ensuring that each step is informed by comprehensive data analysis. This approach allows us to build drugs faster that are also better and safer than what might otherwise be possible.
Collaboration is often key to innovation in the biotech industry. Can you share some insights into ImmunoPrecise Antibodies’ collaborative efforts, whether with academic institutions, biotech firms, or pharmaceutical companies?
At ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, collaboration is indeed a cornerstone of our innovation strategy. We engage in various types of partnerships that not only drive our growth but also contribute significantly to advancements in the biotech industry.
One key area of collaboration is in enhancing our wet-lab capabilities. Our clients often come to us with new challenges, and we work closely with them to innovate and develop new capabilities. This approach is mutually beneficial — we expand our expertise while our clients get tailored solutions for their specific needs. They understand the inherent risks in developing novel capabilities, but they trust our ability to meet their demands effectively.
Another significant collaborative effort revolves around our AI platform, LENSai. Through our award-winning subsidiary, Biostrand, we partner with companies to tackle complex challenges and explore new applications in drug discovery. These collaborations allow our partners to pressure-test innovations and provide valuable feedback, while gaining access to cutting-edge technologies powered by our patented HYFT patterns.
We’ve also recognized that many of our clients are successfully progressing to clinical trials with our support. To leverage this, we offer partnerships that combine our technical, scientific, and business acumen to produce potentially best-in-class or first-in-class therapeutics. This model allows companies to either partner on developing new drugs or test therapeutics we’ve already developed, significantly reducing their time and costs in reaching the clinic.
Our partnership models are designed to be flexible and creative. They not only meet industry demands but also provide IPA with additional benefits, such as potential milestone payments and commercial royalties. In these collaborations, there’s often co-ownership of assets as they move into clinical trials.
This multi-faceted approach to collaboration ensures that we have diverse revenue streams while also positioning ourselves to share in the success of assets that progress to clinical trials and commercialization. It’s a strategy that aligns our interests with those of our partners, driving innovation and potentially transformative outcomes in the biotech industry.
As we look to the future, what are some of the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee for ImmunoPrecise Antibodies and the biotherapeutics industry as a whole?
The biotherapeutics industry is currently facing a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities. One of the primary concerns is the political climate and its potential impact on federal funding for research and development in our sector. There’s uncertainty about how changes in administration might affect grant allocations to institutions in the biotherapeutics space.
Capital raising has been a significant challenge over the past two years, with many companies struggling to secure funding. This has led to unfortunate closures and consolidation within the industry. The broader economic environment, including global conflicts, has contributed to a more risk-averse investment climate.
For pharmaceutical and pipeline companies, there’s a strategic dilemma: whether to proceed cautiously in light of these uncertainties or to move forward based on emerging positive indicators. This decision-making process is crucial as we approach potential economic shifts post-election.
However, amidst these challenges, we’re observing promising opportunities. The slowing of inflation and potential interest-rate cuts are positive economic indicators that could improve the funding environment. We’re seeing renewed interest in partnerships and collaborations, with some companies viewing this as an opportune moment to acquire or collaborate on undervalued assets before a potential market recovery.
The consolidation in the biotech sector, while challenging, has also created opportunities for remaining companies to establish stronger market positions. At ImmunoPrecise Antibodies, we’re strategically positioned to capitalize on these market dynamics.
Looking ahead, we anticipate exciting advancements in areas such as personalized medicine and novel therapeutic approaches. At IPA, we’re committed to driving innovation in these areas while navigating the complex market landscape. Our focus remains on maintaining operational excellence, fostering strategic partnerships, and staying at the forefront of technological advancements in biotherapeutics.
The keys to success in this environment will be adaptability, resilience, and strategic foresight. We’re cautiously optimistic about the future and are prepared to seize opportunities that align with our long-term goals and contribute to advancements in the biotherapeutics field.
Given ImmunoPrecise Antibodies’ global reach, how do you navigate the regulatory and market differences across regions, especially as the company expands its operations?
Navigating regulatory and market differences across regions is indeed a complex aspect of our global operations at ImmunoPrecise Antibodies. Our approach to this challenge is multifaceted and strategic.
First, we’ve recognized a significant shift in global demand and preferences, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically, companies were willing to overlook certain challenges associated with international collaborations, such as shipping complexities, communication barriers, and time-zone differences. However, the pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains, leading to a pronounced trend towards localization.
We’ve strategically positioned our operations to provide proximity to our key markets, primarily in Europe and North America. This approach allows us to offer faster service, improved communication, and better alignment with local needs while maintaining our high standards of scientific rigor and excellence. By having sites in these regions, we can conduct discovery, development, characterization, and even manufacturing in our clients’ “backyards,” which has proven to be a significant advantage.
Regarding regulatory compliance, we maintain a robust system to meet local, state/provincial, and federal requirements in each region where we operate. Each of our sites is diligent in maintaining the necessary accreditations and regulatory licenses. This global reach actually benefits us, as it ensures we can meet the diverse regulatory needs of our clients, whether they’re based in North America or Europe.
It’s worth noting that most of our products don’t require clinical regulatory approval, which exempts us from some of the more rigorous and expensive regulatory hurdles. This allows us to streamline our processes and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting our clients as they move forward with federal regulatory approvals and clinical trials.
Our global strategy also involves careful risk management. By understanding and adapting to regional differences, we’re able to mitigate risks associated with international operations while capitalizing on the benefits of a global presence.
In essence, our approach to navigating regulatory and market differences is centered on strategic localization, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and adaptability to regional needs. This strategy not only helps us manage the complexities of global operations but also positions us to better serve our clients and capitalize on market opportunities across different regions.
