Under the agreement, scientists at Columbia will use VelocImmune mice to generate antibodies against their research targets and will conduct research to discover potential human therapeutics based on the antibodies. Regeneron has an exclusive option to license the antibodies for development and commercialization as therapeutic or diagnostic products.
George Yancopoulos, president of Regeneron Research Laboratories, said: “VelocImmune is the only antibody platform that allows researchers with limited antibody-production resources to create high affinity, well-expressing, fully human antibodies in their own laboratories.
“Participation in the academic VelocImmune Investigators Program gives university scientists the unique opportunity to translate their research, insights, and discoveries directly into potential antibody therapeutics for the treatment of human diseases.”