MorphoSys and Integrated BioTherapeutics Provide Update Regarding USAMRIID Biodefense Project

AbD Serotec, a division of MorphoSys AG, announced that its customer, US-based Integrated BioTherapeutics Inc. (IBT), has received a five-year, NIH research grant to develop human antibody therapeutics against staphylococcal enterotoxin B, a bacterial-derived toxin from Staphylococcus aureus.

The project is a continuation of a biodefense-related project initiated by USAMRIID, an organization of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, in September 2006 using AbD Serotec's custom monoclonal antibody services.

Under the terms of the agreement, IBT will use a selection of HuCAL-based antibodies originally generated by AbD Serotec against staphylococcal eneterotoxin B in in vitro and in vivo experiments to identify lead neutralizing candidates and is expected to order additional antibody material as well as other services offered by AbD Serotec. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are involved in a variety of human pathologies ranging from hospital and community-acquired infections, sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, to atopic dermatitis. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B is also considered as a potential agent of bioterrorism.

Currently no vaccines or immunotherapeutics are available against staphylococcal toxins or S. aureus infections. The research collaboration between IBT and AbD Serotec follows a novel paradigm in the fight against these pathogens by targeting toxins released by bacteria which can distract the immune system and cause massive and even fatal damage.