Human Genome Sciences, Inc (HGS) and Morphotek, Inc, a subsidiary of Eisai Corporation of North America, have entered into a collaboration to discover, develop and commercialize therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in the fields of oncology and immunology that specifically target antigens discovered by HGS.

"The rapid commercialization of our late-stage compounds continues to be the priority focus of HGS. At the same time, we also remain committed to advancing our earlier and mid-stage programmes in development to ensure sustainable growth well into the future," said H Thomas Watkins, president and chief executive officer, HGS. "We look forward to collaborating with Morphotek to develop targeted new therapies based on our discoveries and extensive intellectual property estate."

Under the terms of the agreement, Morphotek will be responsible for validating targets discovered through genomic research and provided by HGS, generating and developing all monoclonal antibody candidates using proprietary Morphotek technologies, and conducting early preclinical proof of concept studies. With respect to each antibody candidate, HGS and Morphotek will have the right to opt in to participate in development and commercialization. Under certain circumstances, HGS and Morphotek may share research and development, manufacturing and commercialization costs. Financial and other specific terms were not disclosed.

"Our proprietary technologies have been applied successfully to a variety of biological targets, and we look forward to collaborating with Human Genome Sciences to apply our antibody technology to a range of novel targets that stem from HGS's genomic discovery research," said Nicholas Nicolaides, president and CEO of Morphotek. "This agreement is a continuation of our business model of leveraging access to targets from collaborators that have identified them using their internal expertise/technologies, applying Morphotek's technologies to develop lead antibodies and then through active collaboration with our partners validating the therapeutic potential of our antibodies in preclinical and if warranted clinical studies."

HGS has a rich heritage of scientific discovery that has produced a large intellectual property estate and a library of thousands of therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

Morphotek, a subsidiary of Eisai Corporation of North America, is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of protein and antibody products through the use of novel and proprietary technologies.

The mission of HGS is to apply great science and great medicine to bring innovative drugs to patients with unmet medical needs.