Through an additional agreement, Horizon Discovery has provided open access to its 150+ strong X-MAN cell-line library to Genentech, Inc, a wholly-owned member of the Roche Group, for a period of up to three years. Genentech will utilize the in-licensed cell-line panels in its oncology research programmes. The relationship builds on the previous business agreements between the companies.

X-MAN ‘Mutant And Normal’ cell-lines provide researchers with a consistent source of human cell-types that harbor a specific cancer causing gene (or genes), plus a matched reference normal cell as a control; enabling the rational development of novel drugs or treatments that more effectively target specific patient populations.

Dr Paul Morrill, Business Development director of Horizon said, “Genentech have been a model early-adopter and pivotal to Horizon validating its GENESIS and X-MAN technology in an industrial setting. The relationship has yielded some exciting findings which are being translated into publications that will help others striving to develop targeted cancer agents. We believe the new open-access deal with Genentech will further enable Horizon to continue to supply first-in-class, in-vitro models of human cancer for Rx and Dx applications.”

Through its agreements, Genentech pays Horizon undisclosed up-front, milestone and renewal fees.