BD will assess institute’s mAbs for research and diagnostic use.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne will work with BD Biosciences to evaluate and potentially develop some of the institute’s reagents for research and diagnostic use. The collaboration will build on programs at the institute that are focused on identifying novel targets for therapeutic mAb and drug development.
The institute says that it has a portfolio of more than 100 mAbs produced through its in-house antibody facility for research into cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases. In return for a first option to evaluate and commercialize antibodies from the institute, BD will make up-front and annual payments to the institute as well as royalty payments on sales of any licensed antibodies.
“The institute’s strategic research interests align well with those of BD, particularly in key areas such as cancer, programmed cell death, stem cells, and immunology,” remarks James Dromey, the institute’s business development manager. “This is the first commercial contract that we have established for wider utilization of institute reagents, and we hope it will be the first step in a broader collaboration with BD.”
The institute’s discovery pipeline is fed by more than 250 research projects, many involving development of new antibodies. Established in 1991, the facility provides a range of monoclonal and polyclonal antibody-related services to internal research groups and external research organizations.
