Under the terms of the agreement, Morphotek will be responsible for validating targets discovered through genomic research and provided by Human Genome Sciences (HGS), generating and developing all monoclonal antibody candidates using Morphotek technologies, and conducting early preclinical proof of concept studies.
With respect to each antibody candidate, HGS and Morphotek will have the right to opt in to participate in development and commercialization. Under certain circumstances, HGS and Morphotek may share R&D, manufacturing and commercialization costs. Financial and other specific terms were not disclosed.
Nicholas Nicolaides, president and CEO of Morphotek, said: “This agreement is a continuation of our business model of leveraging access to targets from collaborators that have identified them using their internal expertise/technologies, applying Morphotek’s technologies to develop lead antibodies and then through active collaboration with our partners validating the therapeutic potential of our antibodies in preclinical and if warranted clinical studies.”