HCW Biologics Signs Akron Biotech Distribution Deal for CAR-T Manufacturing Reagent

HCW Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ:HCWB) has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Akron Biotech covering HCW11-006, its multi-cytokine fusion molecule designed for use as a reagent in CAR-T cell manufacturing.

Under the agreement, HCW Biologics will supply both research-grade and current Good Manufacturing Practice-grade HCW11-006. Akron Biotech will market and distribute the product through its network of research institutions and commercial customers.

The agreement also includes pre-payment commitments relating to product sales, providing HCW Biologics with a commercial route for HCW11-006 as it seeks to expand the molecule’s use in cell therapy manufacturing.

Akron Biotech manufactures ancillary materials and provides contract development and manufacturing services to companies operating across the cell therapy, gene therapy and regenerative medicine sectors.

HCW11-006 Combines Three Cytokine Signals

HCW11-006 is designed to combine the effects of the IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21 cytokines within a single fusion molecule.

HCW Biologics said preclinical research showed that CAR-T cells manufactured using HCW11-006 demonstrated stronger anti-tumour activity and enhanced antiviral potency compared with CAR-T cells produced using conventional methods.

The company also believes the reagent has the potential to reduce CAR-T manufacturing costs, although further clinical studies are planned to assess the findings.

Dr. Hing C. Wong, founder and chief executive officer of HCW Biologics, said the technology “enables a single molecule to deliver synergistic signals from three different immune-stimulatory cytokines.”

Wong said HCW11-006 could potentially replace the αCD3/28/IL-2-based approach currently used as an industry-standard method in CAR-T manufacturing.

Preclinical Research Published in Science Advances

Supporting preclinical findings for HCW11-006 were published in Science Advances in March 2026.

The study, authored by Cole et al., was titled “IL-7/IL-15/IL-21 cytokine-fusion scaffold generates highly functional CAR T cells enriched in long-lived T memory stem cells.”

The distribution agreement gives HCW Biologics access to Akron Biotech’s established commercial and research network as the company works to broaden adoption of HCW11-006 within the growing cell therapy manufacturing market.

HCW Biologics, based in Miramar, Florida, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing fusion immunotherapeutics targeting autoimmune diseases, cancer and senescence-associated dysplasia. The Akron Biotech agreement adds a commercial component to its activities by positioning HCW11-006 as a potential manufacturing reagent for CAR-T therapies.

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