MediGene therefore acquires an exclusive worldwide license for the application and commercialization of Anti L1 antibodies in anti-tumor therapy. In June 2006, MediGene and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) initiated this collaboration for the purpose of the therapeutic development of monoclonal antibodies against the tumor marker L1. The initial duration of the agreement was two years and it will now be extended.
Concurrently with exercising the option for the license, an agreement that was initiated at the end of 2007 for the co-development and commercialization of the anti-L1 monoclonal antibody with Celltrion, a South Korean biopharmaceutical company which provides CMO (contract manufacturing organization) services, is now finalized. The L1-antibody is currently in the preclinical phase of development.
Under the terms of the agreement between Medigene and Celltrion, the companies will share responsibilities for development and commercialization of the L1 MAb. Celltrion will provide process development and manufacturing of the product, and will have exclusive rights for development and commercialization of the L1 MAb in Asia, including Japan.
Celltrion will also have the option for global manufacturing rights to supply Phase III material as well as commercial material. MediGene retains the rights for the development and commercialization of the product in Europe and the US.