MedImmune will combine 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, a wholly owned venture capital subsidiary of MedImmune, will also make an equity investment in Elusys.
“As a company with a proven track record in developing and marketing innovative antibodies and vaccines for preventing infectious diseases, MedImmune is excited to expand its product R&D programs through this collaboration with Elusys,” said Dr Peter Kiener, MedImmune senior vice president, research.
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.