Protein Design Labs Inc has completed its acquisition of privately held Eos Biotechnology Inc (Eos), a pioneer in the discovery of therapeutic antibodies based on information from the human genome. By applying a disease-based approach and a suite of proprietary discovery technologies, Eos identifies antibodies that selectively and specifically target pathogenic cells.
Mark McDade, PDL's Chief Executive Officer, said, "This is an important step forward that expands our research, preclinical and clinical development pipelines. Eos adds more than 20 antibody targets to our research portfolio in oncology and antibodies directed to a number of these targets are in various stages of functional validation. In the near-term, this transaction helps build our clinical focus in oncology with the anti-a5B1 integrin antibody for treatment of solid tumors. A Phase I trial of that antibody is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2003. We also are pleased to welcome approximately 40 former Eos employees, who represent an important infusion of additional talent, primarily in our research and clinical development groups."
Under terms of the acquisition agreement, all shares of Eos common and preferred stock will be exchanged for approximately 4,330,000 shares of PDL common stock.
As previously announced, Richard Murray, formerly Vice President, Research, Eos, becomes Vice President, Research, PDL, and Barbara Finck, formerly Vice President, Clinical Development, Eos, joins PDL as Vice President, Clinical Development. Bill Benjamin, formerly PDL's Vice President, Research Operations, assumes the new role of Vice President, Research and Clinical Technologies, with a lead role in identifying and evaluating promising new antibody products and related technology.