Symphogen seals polyclonal antibody deal with Genentech

16 Jun 2008 | News

Collaboration agreed

Symphogen A/S of Copenhagen, Denmark, has announced a strategic collaboration with Genentech, Inc, for the development antibody therapeutics against three undisclosed infectious disease targets.

In this collaboration, Symphogen will apply its Symplex antibody discovery platform to identify novel infectious disease drug candidates, while Genentech will gain access to Symphogen’s Sympress technology to produce recombinant polyclonal antibodies.

“We believe this alliance with Genentech is a recognition of our antibody discovery and expression technologies,” said Kirsten Drejer, CEO of Symphogen.  “This deal underscores our belief that Symphogen’s technologies offer a valuable approach to create next- generation therapeutics that address critical unmet medical needs in the treatment of serious infections.”

The deal supports one of Symphogen’s major business objectives of establishing multiple partnerships around its capabilities. “Technology platform deals such as this complement our internal proprietary product development efforts,” said Drejer.

Genentech will make an undisclosed upfront payment and an equity investment in Symphogen. In addition, the Danish company is eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties on any products developed. The total value of the deal could exceed $330 million.


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