Morphotek Receives U.S. Patent Regarding Methods for Generating Genetically Altered Antibodies with Enhanced Affinity and Antibodies Produced by Them

Morphotek, Inc. has announced the issuance of United States Patent No. 7,235,643 B2 (the “643” patent). The patent relates to certain methods of enhancing the affinity of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). It illustrates the company’s MORPHODOMA® technology, a whole genome evolution platform that can enhance cells producing mAbs to yield daughter cells producing antibodies with enhanced pharmacologic activity.

MORPHODOMA® technology enhances evolution within cells through the reversible regulation of the mismatch repair (MMR) pathway, a highly conserved process employed by all living organisms to repair mutations that naturally occur during DNA replication.

Dr. Philip Sass, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Morphotek, commented, “This patent further strengthens Morphotek’s competitive advantage in the field of antibody discovery and development. The use of our MORPHODOMA® technology enables our researchers to generate high affinity antibodies from lead target-specific antibodies with low affinity. This platform allows for the rapid and efficient optimization of antibodies for clinical development and proof-of-concept evaluation for use in treating disease.”