Roche signs agreement for BioTie antibody program

The inhibiting vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) reduces inflammation by regulating the migration of white blood cells to inflamed tissues. BioTie’s fully human VAP-1 antibody is based on Medarex’ HuMab-technology and is expected to enter into clinical development in early 2007.

This new agreement extends the collaboration between the two companies as Roche already holds an exclusive option right to BioTie’s VAP-1 SSAO enzyme small molecule inhibitor candidates in preclinical phase.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay an option initiation fee of E5 million, which grants Roche an exclusive option right to an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for BioTie’s fully human antibody targeting VAP-1, excluding Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. BioTie will retain all rights to the program until a license is granted to Roche.

VAP-1 specific monoclonal antibodies and VAP-1 SSAO small molecule inhibitors have been shown in animal models of inflammation to be potent inhibitors of disease activity.