The alliance will leverage certain key product candidates in Centocor’s therapeutic protein pipeline, which focuses on cardiovascular disease, immunologic disorders and cancer, using Biolex’ LEX system to economically and rapidly both develop and scale-up these proteins.
Upon the commencement of the alliance, Biolex received an upfront payment for access to its LEX System. In addition, Centocor will provide Biolex funding over three years to support scaling-up certain key aspects of the system.
Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation, the venture capital subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, will make an investment in Biolex’ next equity financing round and provide Biolex further investments to assist with the establishment of additional large scale GMP bio-manufacturing facilities. Biolex is eligible to receive manufacturing related milestone payments from Centocor upon establishment and validation of these facilities.
For each of the therapeutic proteins developed under the alliance, Biolex will receive milestone payments related to the successful clinical advancement and regulatory approval, as well as supply fees for GMP materials. Biolex will also receive royalties on the sales of any products developed under the alliance.
“The magnitude of this alliance marks a major achievement for Biolex,” said Jan Turek, president and CEO of Biolex. “We believe this alliance is ground breaking and unprecedented in the alternative expression system space, and we look forward to working closely with Centocor to advance these products as rapidly as possible.”