MorphoSys Initiates Program Against Drug-Resistant MRSA Infections
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MorphoSys AG has announced a new proprietary development program against novel infectious disease targets. As part of this initiative, MorphoSys has signed a license and collaboration agreement with UK-based Absynth Biologics, providing access to novel target molecules associated with Staphylococcus aureus infections including MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus).
MorphoSys will generate antibodies using its proprietary HuCAL PLATINUM antibody library which Absynth will test in relevant disease models. MorphoSys will be solely responsible for the development and partnering of the resulting compounds. Absynth will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for development-dependent milestone payments and royalties. Further financial details were not disclosed.
"This collaboration brings together Absynth's novel, proprietary targets and expertise in S. aureus including MRSA and MorphoSys's expertise in the generation of antibody drugs. We see these new targets as a very promising basis of antibody therapy for an increasingly serious medical problem," commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG.
"Our goal is to create a valuable package of proprietary targets together with high-affinity antibodies, supported by compelling data, which will allow us to partner the program for subsequent development. The targets identified by Absynth represent a unique opportunity to generate value rather quickly and create out-licensing opportunities much earlier than in the areas of cancer and inflammation, which remain however the main focus areas for our discovery and development organization," Dr. Moroney continued.
"We are delighted to be collaborating with MorphoSys," commented Dr Fiona Marston, Chief Executive, Absynth Biologics Limited. "The synergies between our technologies enhance the prospects of creating products to benefit patients suffering from S. aureus infections."
MorphoSys will generate antibodies using its proprietary HuCAL PLATINUM antibody library which Absynth will test in relevant disease models. MorphoSys will be solely responsible for the development and partnering of the resulting compounds. Absynth will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for development-dependent milestone payments and royalties. Further financial details were not disclosed.
"This collaboration brings together Absynth's novel, proprietary targets and expertise in S. aureus including MRSA and MorphoSys's expertise in the generation of antibody drugs. We see these new targets as a very promising basis of antibody therapy for an increasingly serious medical problem," commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG.
"Our goal is to create a valuable package of proprietary targets together with high-affinity antibodies, supported by compelling data, which will allow us to partner the program for subsequent development. The targets identified by Absynth represent a unique opportunity to generate value rather quickly and create out-licensing opportunities much earlier than in the areas of cancer and inflammation, which remain however the main focus areas for our discovery and development organization," Dr. Moroney continued.
"We are delighted to be collaborating with MorphoSys," commented Dr Fiona Marston, Chief Executive, Absynth Biologics Limited. "The synergies between our technologies enhance the prospects of creating products to benefit patients suffering from S. aureus infections."
