The antibody therapeutics are generated from two validated Millennium targets: a co-stimulatory molecule and a chemokine receptor. The co-stimulatory molecule is a CD28 homologue and has been implicated in the regulation and activation of T cells. The chemokine receptor is expressed on peripheral T cells and has been implicated in multiple inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and graft rejection.
Under the terms of the agreement, UCB Pharma will be responsible for development activities and related costs through phase II studies, including generating antibody candidates, and the preclinical and early stage clinical evaluation of antibodies. Upon the agreement of the parties, Millennium retains the option to co-develop and co-commercialize products with UCB Pharma, under a cost- and profit-sharing arrangement.
UCB Pharma will make payments to Millennium upon achievement of certain clinical milestones.
“By working with UCB Pharma, we are able to accelerate development of these two exciting programs while concentrating more of our internal resources to maximize development of our later stage pipeline programs,” said Dr Joseph Bolen, senior vice president of discovery research at Millennium.