Crucell N.V. has signed a PER.C6 research licensing agreement with the Danish company NatImmune A/S, to evaluate the production of the therapeutic protein, mannan-binding lectin (MBL) on PER.C6 cells.

Under the terms of the agreement, NatImmune will evaluate the production of MBL on the PER.C6. Additionally, NatImmune has an option for a non-exclusive commercial product license to manufacture potential MBL products. Crucell will receive upfront and annual payments, as well as royalties on net sales of marketed MBL products. Further financial details were not disclosed.

"Crucell's PER.C6 human cell line is fast becoming the production method of choice for a large range of biopharmaceuticals. This agreement with NatImmune further highlights the suitability of PER.C6 as a manufacturing platform for human therapeutic proteins," said Ronald Brus, Executive Vice President Business Development of Crucell.

MBL is a natural human protein that plays a key role in first line immune defence. It is capable of clearing a wide range of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, through binding to the microorganism and activating other parts of the body's immune system. MBL-deficiency affects 35% of the population. However, due to a large amount of overlap in the immune system, an MBL- deficiency does not manifest itself in clinical symptoms unless the individual is immunosuppressed or suffering from certain diseases.

MBL is NatImmune's lead product candidate. MBL will initially be developed as a treatment for MBL-deficient individuals for either: 1) stabilization of disease progression in terminally ill cystic fibrosis, or 2) prevention of infections in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Other conditions that seem likely indications for MBL-replacement therapy include premature babies, recurrent infections primarily in young children, spontaneous recurring miscarriages, and poor immune responses to certain types of vaccines.