Under the collaboration, Oxford Genome Sciences (OGeS) and Amgen will generate fully human antibodies using Amgen’s XenoMouse technology, which was acquired through its acquisition of Abgenix. These antibodies will be raised against the novel druggable targets that OGeS has identified through its unique Oxford Genome Anatomy Project (OGAP) database.
This new collaboration is said to enable OGeS strengthen its pipeline of fully human therapeutic antibodies (mAbs) in cancer based on the target discovery capabilities of its unique OGAP database.
The agreement covers up to six oncology programs. Amgen will have the right to select up to three programs, while OGeS will retain rights to the remainder. Once Amgen has produced the initial antibody leads, OGeS will carry out the initial pre-clinical assessment of each antibody program.
Christian Rohlff, CEO of OGeS, said: “This significant new deal, together with our existing Medarex collaboration, further underpins OGeS’s transition from a target discovery to a product development company and is an important step in our ambition to become a key player in the field of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer.”