Amorfix’ antibodies which showed efficacy in animal models of ALS will now be developed and prepared for clinical trials by Biogen Idec at its expense.
As per the terms of the agreement, Biogen Idec is expected to receive the exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialise Amorfix’s Disease Specific Epitopes (DSE) antibodies for ALS while Amorfix retains all rights for vaccines and diagnostics.
Additionally, Biogen Idec is expected to pay an up-front payment of $1m to Amorfix along with milestone payments and royalties on sales.
The licensed intellectual property includes DSE and antibodies arising from Amorfix’s discovery platform using the ProMIS algorithm for prediction of DSEs on misfolded proteins. This approach enables the discovery of antibodies that recognise and inhibit only the misfolded protein which forms in the disease, while allowing the normal protein to continue to function.
Ken Rhodes, vice president of discovery neurobiology at Biogen Idec, said: “We are excited about the opportunity to advance research efforts in the SOD1 pathway.”
David Cameron, president and CEO of the ALS Society of Canada, said: “It is encouraging to see a partnership entered into between a Canadian company and a biotechnology company.”
Robert Gundel, CEO of Amorfix, said: “Our partnership with Biogen Idec validates the value of the ProMIS discovery platform, which we are using now to develop antibodies and vaccines for cancers.”