GTC’s transgenic production platform will be used.
LFB Biotechnologies and GTC Biotherapeutics agreed to include a recombinant human coagulation factor IX program in their existing collaboration, signed in 2006. The deal covers the development of recombinant plasma proteins and mAbs using GTC’s transgenic production platform.
Under the expanded agreement, both the costs and profits of this program will be shared between the firms. GTC retains exclusive marketing rights in North America for recombinant factor IX. LFB will receive exclusive marketing rights in Europe with coexclusive marketing rights in Japan.
GTC previously obtained from ProGenetics an exclusive license to a number of recombinant plasma proteins including human coagulation factor IX, for North America, Europe, and Japan. ProGenetics received $500,000 upon signing of that agreement. LFB will fund the final $500,000 license fee payment due to ProGenetics in the second quarter of 2008.
“GTC is building a significant and valuable portfolio of recombinant plasma proteins leveraging the unique characteristics of its production technology,” stated Geoffrey F. Cox, Ph.D., GTC’s chairman and CEO.