Celltech Achieves Milestone in Osteoporosis Collaboration with Amgen
SLOUGH, U.K., Oct. 28, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Celltech Group plc (London:CCH.L - News) (NYSE:CLL - News) today announced the achievement of a milestone in its agreement with Amgen Inc. for the research, development and global commercialisation of novel treatments for osteoporosis using Celltech's proprietary antibody fragment technology, which aims to identify antibody fragments against sclerostin, a protein discovered by Celltech. Sclerostin is involved in the regulation of bone deposition, and it is believed that by inhibiting this protein, bone loss in osteoporosis patients may be reversed. Amgen and Celltech scientists have identified a high-affinity function modifying Celltech antibody for further study, triggering an undisclosed milestone payment to Celltech.
Dr Melanie Lee, Research and Development Director for Celltech, commented: ``We are pleased that this innovative programme continues to progress well and with the ability of our SLAM technology to generate high quality, functionally active antibodies against challenging protein targets.''
Celltech Group plc (LSE: CCH; NYSE: CLL) is one of Europe's largest biotechnology companies, with an innovative development pipeline funded by its profitable, cash-generative pharmaceutical business. Celltech also possesses drug discovery capabilities of exceptional strength, including a leading position in antibody engineering. More details can be found at celltechgroup.com
Notes for Editors
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease estimated to affect one-third of women aged 60 to 70, and two-thirds of women aged 80 or older. Current treatments primarily halt loss of bone density, but do not reverse the effects of osteoporosis.
Amgen agreement
Key terms of Celltech's agreement with Amgen, announced in May 2002, are as follows:
- Amgen has exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market
treatments targeting the Sclerostin protein.
- Celltech is responsible for the identification and engineering of
high affinity PEGylated antibody fragments against the Sclerostin
protein, using its SLAM technology and proprietary antibody
fragment technology.
- Celltech will pay a proportion of all early development costs.
- Amgen will be responsible for worldwide development.
- Celltech has the option to co-invest in late stage development and
may then lead promotional activities in the European Union. Amgen
will lead promotion in North America and Japan.
- Alternatively, if Celltech chooses not to participate in
development, Amgen will become the exclusive licensee for this
program and will continue to develop and market products against
the Sclerostin protein on a worldwide basis. Celltech would then
receive royalties based on sales achieved by Amgen. |
