MorphoSys and Xencor Sign License and Collaboration Agreement for Clinical Antibody Program
MorphoSys AG and Xencor, Inc. announced the signing of a worldwide exclusive license and collaboration agreement for an antibody in Phase 1 clinical development. The agreement provides MorphoSys with an exclusive worldwide license to XmAb5574, a high potency monoclonal antibody developed by Xencor for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. As part of the agreement, the companies will collaborate on the Phase 1 trial in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the U.S.A., for which Xencor will continue to carry the costs under its development plan. MorphoSys will be solely responsible for further clinical development. Xencor will receive an upfront payment of US$ 13 million (approx. EUR 10.5 million), and will be eligible to receive development-, regulatory- and commercialization-related milestone payments and tiered royalties based on product sales. Further financial terms were not disclosed.
XmAb5574, which will be renamed MOR208, is a humanized anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. It has been engineered to possess significantly enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), thus improving a key mechanism for tumor cell killing and offering potential for enhanced efficacy compared to traditional antibodies for the treatment of cancer. In preclinical studies, XmAb5574 was well tolerated at various dose levels, elicited immediate and sustained B-cell depletion, and showed strong anti-tumor potency, anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity. B-cell malignancies, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia afflict more than one hundred and fifty thousand patients in the seven major markets each year. The target is expressed more broadly and earlier in B-cell development than CD20, the target of the marketed cancer drug Rituxan®, therefore potentially allowing for an even broader use of XmAb5574 as compared to Rituxan®.
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
