Celltech Group plc and Biogen Idec announce that they have entered into a collaboration for the research, development and commercialisation of antibodies against the CD40 ligand (CD40L) protein for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The CD40L protein is a key regulator of antibody-mediated immune responses. Blocking the interaction between CD40L on T cells and CD40 on B cells has been shown to reduce excessive antibody production and may help restore normal immune response in patients with a variety of autoimmune-related conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Celltech and Biogen Idec have developed complementary fields of expertise in this area of research and development.

Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will contribute CD40L know-how. Celltech will be responsible for the identification and engineering of new high affinity antibodies against CD40L and will pay all development costs until the end of Phase I human safety testing. Following completion of Phase I, Biogen Idec has an option to co-invest in the ongoing development of products. In this case, the companies will jointly develop and commercialise products and will share costs and profits. Alternatively, if Biogen Idec does not exercise its option, Celltech may elect to take the programme forward independently and continue to develop and market products on an exclusive, worldwide basis.

Biogen Idec would then receive royalties based on sales achieved by Celltech.

Dr Melanie Lee, R&D director for Celltech, commented: "We are delighted to have entered this collaboration with Biogen Idec, a global leader in advanced biotechnology products. Celltech is committed to accessing a continuous flow of high quality targets, in particular those with a high degree of validation. The CD40L programme fits Celltech's strengths in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, and we hope to demonstrate the flexibility of our antibody engineering technologies in addressing a challenging disease target."

Dr Burt Adelman, executive vice president, Development for Biogen Idec, commented: "We believe CD40L is an exciting target for the treatment of a wide range of autoimmune diseases. The combination of Biogen Idec's expertise in CD40L biology and Celltech's antibody technology platform, together with both companies leading position in the treatment of autoimmune disease, will significantly advance scientific progress in this area."