MorphoSys Expands Collaboration With Centocor
MorphoSys AG announced the extension of its agreement with Centocor Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, until the end of 2007. The objective of the cooperation between MorphoSys and Centocor is the development of fully human therapeutic antibodies in a broad range of indications. The cooperation agreement, originally signed in December 2000, was to end in December 2005. Within the framework of the extended agreement, the two parties undertake to commence at least two new antibody development programs in 2005. Furthermore, the agreement also provides for increased levels of research and development funding by Centocor to MorphoSys, and an upfront payment by Centocor to MorphoSys for the extension. Further financial details were not disclosed.
Under the extended agreement, Centocor has the option to elect up to 30 disease-related target molecules, against which the two parties will develop fully human, optimized antibodies using the HuCAL GOLD® technology of MorphoSys. MorphoSys stands to receive licensing and milestone payments, in addition to royalties on any marketed antibody products arising from the collaboration. Furthermore, Centocor maintains access to HuCAL GOLD® to isolate antibodies for research use. In the collaboration with Centocor, MorphoSys has achieved four performance-related milestones to date. In March 2004, both companies launched a new antibody program to develop a therapeutic antibody against a Centocor target molecule involved in autoimmune diseases.
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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