(Aug 1 2003) MorphoSys: 3rd Milestone in Centocor Collaboration
MorphoSys AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: MOR; Prime Standard Segment), the Munich-based biotechnology company, announced the achievement of the third milestone in its therapeutic antibody collaboration with Centocor. The milestone is based on the delivery by MorphoSys of antibodies against an undisclosed Centocor target involved in inflammatory diseases. In achieving the current milestone, MorphoSys delivered several precisely engineered antibodies against the target molecule from Centocor, fulfilling eight different pre-agreed success criteria. Financial terms relating to the milestone payment to MorphoSys were not disclosed.
In December 2000, MorphoSys and Centocor, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, entered collaboration for the development of fully human antibodies in a wide range of therapeutic indications. The collaboration includes an option for Centocor on the development of antibodies against up to 30 different target molecules. In March 2002 Centocor ordered AutoCALTM, the MorphoSys-developed system for automated screening of antibodies. In achieving the current milestone, MorphoSys applied its proprietary HuCAL® GOLD technology to generate several antibodies against the Centocor target. The unique features of HuCAL® were applied to engineer the antibodies to meet eight pre-agreed success criteria.
Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG, said: "Our successful achievement of this milestone is an additional step in executing our strategy of building a broad therapeutic antibody pipeline within partnerships with leading players in the field. We are delighted to be able to add another promising product candidate to our growing pipeline."... |
