On August 14, 2015 Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) reported it has entered an agreement to grant Novo Nordisk commercial licenses to use the DuoBody technology platform to create and develop bispecific antibody candidates for two therapeutic programs (Press release, Genmab, AUG 14, 2015, View Source [SID:1234507251]). The bispecific antibodies will target a disease area outside of cancer therapeutics. Under the terms of the agreement, Genmab will receive an upfront payment of USD 2 million from Novo Nordisk.
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After an initial period of exclusivity for the two target combinations, Novo Nordisk has an option to maintain exclusivity or take the licenses forward on a non-exclusive basis. Genmab is entitled to potential development, regulatory and sales milestones of up to approximately USD 250 million for each exclusive license, or approximately USD 200 million for each non-exclusive license. In addition, Genmab will be entitled to single-digit royalties on sales of any commercialized products.
"Our proprietary DuoBody technology can be used to create bispecific antibodies that target a wide variety of disease areas. Today’s agreement with Novo Nordisk is an example of how we can leverage access to our unique state-of-the art antibody expertise and collaborations to generate diverse revenue streams in areas beyond cancer," said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab."
This agreement is not expected to have a material impact on Genmab’s 2015 financial guidance.
About the DuoBody Platform
The DuoBody platform is Genmab’s proprietary technology platform for the discovery and development of bispecific antibodies. Bispecific antibodies bind to two different epitopes (or "docking" sites) either on the same, or on different targets (also known as dual-targeting). Dual-targeting may improve binding specificity and efficacy in inactivating disease targets. Bispecific antibodies generated with the DuoBody platform may improve antibody therapy of cancer, autoimmune, and infectious and central nervous system disease. DuoBody molecules are unique in combining the benefits of bispecificity with the strengths of conventional antibodies, which allows DuoBody molecules to be administered and dosed the way other antibody therapeutics are. Genmab’s DuoBody platform generates bispecific antibodies via a fast and broadly applicable process, which is easily performed at standard bench, as well as commercial manufacturing scale.