MediGene exercises option for Anti-L1 Monoclonal Antibody and continues collaboration with DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center)
MediGene AG announced that, according to plan, an option, granted two years ago by the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum = DKFZ) in Heidelberg for the development and commercialization of an antibody for the treatment of different types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, will now be exercised by MediGene.
MediGene therefore acquires an exclusive worldwide license for the application and commercialization of Anti L1 antibodies in anti-tumor therapy. In June 2006, MediGene and the DKFZ initiated this collaboration for the purpose of the therapeutic development of monoclonal antibodies against the tumor marker L1. The initial duration of the agreement was two years and it will now be extended. Concurrently with exercising the option for the license, an agreement that was initiated end of 2007 for the co-development and commercialization of the anti-L1 monoclonal antibody with Celltrion, Inc., a South Korean biopharmaceutical company which provides CMO (contract manufacturing organization) services, is now finalized. The L1-antibody is currently in the preclinical phase of development.
Professor Altevogt's research team at the DKFZ developed the antibodies against L1 and demonstrated their anti-tumor activities in an animal model. Within the scope of the two year collaboration, the antibodies' mode of action was examined in detail and preparation for further clinical testing was conducted.
Also under the terms of the agreement between Medigene and Celltrion, the companies will share responsibilities for development and commercialization of the L1 MAb. Celltrion will provide process development and manufacturing of the product, and will have exclusive rights for development and commercialization of the L1 MAb in Asia, including Japan. Celltrion will also have the option for global manufacturing rights to supply Phase III material as well as commercial material. MediGene retains the rights for the development and commercialization of the product in Europe and the US.
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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
