Phylloceuticals Produces First Plant-Based PD-1 Inhibitor
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Phylloceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company advancing plant-derived biotherapeutics, today announced the successful production of its first batch of a PD-1 inhibitor monoclonal antibody (mAb) just 12 weeks after initiating operations in its new laboratory space in Rapid City, SD. The achievement marks a major technical and organizational milestone for the company, and a potential paradigm shift in how complex biologics are developed and manufactured.
In April, the Phylloceuticals team produced microgram quantities of a plant-based PD-1 inhibitor mAb, a member of one of oncology’s leading blockbuster immunotherapy classes. This milestone was achieved using proprietary plant based rapid-expression technology and green biomanufacturing processes, starting from a bare laboratory floor and building a fully operational production capability in record time.
“Going from zero infrastructure to active biologics production in under three months is not just uncommon—it’s nearly unheard of in this industry,” said Susan Stipa, CEO of Phylloceuticals. “This validates both the strength of our platform and the depth of experience across our scientific and engineering teams. It also signals what’s possible when plant-based systems are designed with speed, efficiency, and therapeutic relevance at the core.”
PD-1 inhibitors, which block the interaction between the PD-1 receptor and its ligand, are among the most effective immuno-oncology agents used to treat a wide range of cancers. However, current production methods are costly, resource-intensive, and often inaccessible to many regions of the world. Phylloceuticals ’approach has the potential to reshape the global biosimilar landscape by offering a sustainable, rapid, and cost-effective alternative.
“Our goal isn’t just to replicate what others have done—we aim to transform access to advanced biologics through a platform that’s fast, flexible, and environmentally sound,” said Chief Technical Officer Dr. Lynn Dickey. “This first PD-1 biologic for Phylloceuticals is only the beginning.”
