Genmab A/S announced it had reached two milestones in its collaboration with Roche as proof of concept has been established for two human antibodies generated by Genmab. These antibodies are each designed to target a different disease area and represent the third and fourth antibodies in the collaboration to reach this stage.

Under the agreement, Genmab utilizes its broad antibody expertise and development capabilities to create human antibodies to a broad range of disease targets identified by Roche. Roche has a proven successful track record in developing biologicals as innovative new products.

Genmab receives milestone and royalty payments based on successful products. In certain circumstances, Genmab may obtain rights to develop products based on disease targets identified by Roche. If all are achieved, the value of the collaboration to Genmab could be $100 million, plus royalties, an official release said.

"This partnership continues to grow as this set of milestones has been achieved. Reaching proof of concept stage shows how Genmab's technology can successfully produce fully human antibodies," said Jonathan Knowles, Roche's head of Global Research.

"The proof of concept stage is a crucial one in the antibody development process," said Lisa N Drakeman, CEO of Genmab adding, "and we are pleased to have achieved these important milestones for two more antibodies in our collaboration with Roche."