The company’s will initially use Ambrx’ proprietary technology platform to generate novel pegylated interferon alpha molecules.
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will fund R&D of the products, and will retain exclusive worldwide commercialization rights. Ambrx will receive license fees, research funding and development milestone payments plus royalties on product sales. In addition, the Roche Venture Fund will make an equity investment in Ambrx.
“Roche is pleased to enter into this new partnership with Ambrx,” said Peter Hug, Roche’s global head of Pharma Partnering. “If proven successful, Ambrx’s technology could potentially be beneficial to multiple projects in our biologics pipeline.”
Ambrx’ most advanced product candidate, a human growth hormone with superior performance, is currently in GMP manufacturing with an IND filing anticipated in 2006. In addition, Ambrx is optimizing several other protein therapeutics representing large markets and significant unmet medical need.