Xencor licenses its antibody system to MedImmune

Under the agreement, which is Xencor’s fifth for this technology in the last year, MedImmune will be able to use Xencor’s XmAb proprietary engineered Fc domains to enhance its research programs.

XmAb engineered Fc domains are designed to enhance the therapeutic properties of monoclonal antibodies and form a leading proprietary position in Fc engineering. Xencor’s Fc domains can be inserted into antibody candidates against any target antigen and may improve one or more important effector functions, including enhanced antibody-mediated tumor cell killing, sustained half-life and increased structural stability.

“Xencor’s suite of proprietary antibody Fc domains has been shown to dramatically enhance the cytotoxic potency of antibodies in in vitro assays,” said Dr Bassil Dahiyat, president and CEO of Xencor. “The breadth and ease of their applicability to nearly any antibody is driving the creation of multiple collaborations with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as MedImmune, and is enabling Xencor’s own pipeline of high potency antibody therapeutics.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Xencor’s XmAb engineered antibody Fc domains will be used to create antibody drug candidates against select MedImmune preclinical tumor targets. Xencor will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive additional commercial license fees, milestones and royalties. Specific financial terms were not disclosed.