The initial goal is to further validate the targets through disease-specific in vitro and in vivo testing of the antibodies.

MorphoSys and Galapagos launched a long-term alliance aimed at discovering and developing antibody therapies based on novel modes of action in bone and joint disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis.
 
The alliance spans all activities from target discovery through to completion of proof of concept clinical trials of therapeutic antibodies. Both companies will contribute their core technologies and expertise to the alliance.


Galapagos will provide antibody targets implicated in bone and joint disease in addition to its adenoviral target discovery platform to discover further targets for antibody development. MorphoSys will contribute its HuCAL antibody technologies to generate fully human antibodies directed against these targets. 


The initial goal is to further validate the targets through disease-specific in vitro and in vivo testing of the antibodies. After successful validation, the alliance will select antibody programs for preclinical and clinical development. Following proof of concept in human clinical trials, programs will be partnered for subsequent development, approval, and marketing.
 
Under the terms of the agreement, Galapagos and MorphoSys will share the research and development costs, as well as all future revenues equally.


An initial set of three targets implicated in bone and joint disease has been selected for the collaboration, and Galapagos is already commencing with production of these proteins for the alliance. Generation of antibodies directed against these targets will start in 2009. More targets will be selected using Galapagos’ target discovery platform to fuel the alliance in the coming years.

Previous articleSosei Out-Licenses Malaria IP to Treague
Next articleD-Finitive Cell Technologies to Help Sigma Expand Its Regenerative Medicine Offerings