Seattle-based biotechnology company Theraclone Sciences has entered into a multi-year research and development agreement with Zenyaku Kogyo, a pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo. The collaboration will use Theraclone’s I-STAR technology to discover broadly protective monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of pandemic influenza and severe seasonal influenza.
Reportedly, Theraclone and Zenyaku Kogyo will embark on a novel discovery program to identify conserved, essential antibody targets on the influenza A virus. Under the terms of the agreement, Zenyaku Kogyo will receive an option to exclusive antibody rights in Asia, including certain Oceania countries.
In addition, Zenyaku Kogyo will retain an option in the territory to potential vaccine candidates stemming from the discovery research. In exchange for these rights, Theraclone will receive an upfront cash payment. If Zenyaku Kogyo exercises its option, Theraclone is entitled to receive success-based R&D milestones totaling over $18m through phase 1 clinical studies.
Theraclone shall receive clinical milestone payments and royalties from future sales in the territory and shall retain development and commercial rights in non-Asian countries.
David Fanning, president and CEO of Theraclone, said: “We believe that this partnership will contribute antibody drug candidates to help manage global pandemic risk and to improve patient outcomes in vulnerable patient populations.”
Kazuhiro Hashimoto, president and CEO of Zenyaku Kogyo, said: “We have been very impressed with initial results from Theraclone’s innovative I-STAR technology platform. In partnership with Theraclone, we look forward to developing novel antibody drugs against conserved, essential targets on the influenza virus.”