Kadmon negotiated an exclusive worldwide license to develop Dyax’s fully human monoclonal antibody matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14) inhibitor DX-2400, which is currently undergoing IND-enabling studies. The antibody is designed to block angiogenesis, and directly affect tumor growth and cell migration. Dyax will receive an up-front fee, along with development and commercial milestone payments, plus royalties on future sales. Kadmon will shoulder all further development and commercialization of the candidate. Dyax granted Kadmon a nonexclusive license to its antibody phage display libraries for the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies back in July 2011.

“This agreement expands on our longstanding relationship with Dyax and their antibody technology platform,” notes Samuel D. Waksal, Ph.D., Kadmon chairman and CEO. “We believe MMP-14 is an important piece of the puzzle for overcoming cancer’s growth, proliferation, and resistance mechanisms. In particular, its role in tumors and ocular disease neovascularization represents a unique target opportunity that may be complementary to other antiangiogenic therapies on the market and in development.”

Dyax is leveraging its drug discovery phage display platform to develop an in-house therapeutic pipeline. The technology is also being exploited through co-development agreements, and through its Licensing and Funded Research Program, which has already generated over 70 technology licenses and applications. The licensee pipeline currently includes 17 clinical-stage drug candidates. Dyax’s marketed drug, Kalbitor® (ecallantide), is approved for the treatment of sudden attacks of hereditary angioedema. Ecallantide is separately undergoing Phase II development for the treatment of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, and is being evaluated by partner Fovea/Sanofi Aventis for treating retinal vein occlusion-induced macular edema.

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