MedImmune Licenses Elusys Therapeutics' Technology for Use in Developing New Therapies Targeting Infectious Disease

24-Apr-2006

MedImmune, Inc. announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing and collaboration agreement with privately held biopharmaceutical company Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. for select infectious disease targets. Under the agreement, MedImmune will develop and seek to commercialize new therapies targeting infectious disease by combining its expertise in monoclonal antibodies with Elusys' proprietary Heteropolymer (HP) Antibodies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Elusys will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, milestone payments and royalties on any future marketed products. MedImmune Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned venture capital subsidiary of MedImmune, Inc., will also make an equity investment in Elusys.

Elusys' Heteropolymer Antibodies are designed to enhance the effectiveness of the body's natural immune system mechanisms to pathogens and to provide a platform to develop novel drug candidates targeted against bacterial, viral and fungal infections. An HP Antibody consists of a monoclonal antibody specific to an immune receptor (CR1) that is linked to a second antibody that binds to a particular pathogen. After administration, the HP Antibody rapidly binds the target pathogens to red blood cells.

Recent in vivo studies suggest that in addition to potential infection treatment, HP Antibodies may also provide active immunity against secondary infections from the same pathogen. This suggests that an HP Antibody may be useful as a therapeutic vaccine to help provide long-term protection from infection.

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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

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Topic world Antibodies

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