Lynx Therapeutics Inc has signed an agreement with Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc to provide immunological research services aimed at profiling the biological activity of several of Keryx's compounds on immune cells. The services will be provided through Lynx's wholly owned subsidiary, Lynx Therapeutics GmbH (Lynx GmbH) in Heidelberg, Germany. Lynx GmbH will receive payments from Keryx for immunology research services performed over the term of the agreement.

"We are proud to announce the first commercial relationship established by Lynx GmbH," said Dr. Norrie Russell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lynx. "We believe that this is an excellent endorsement of the biological expertise of Dr. Michael Kramer, our Managing Director in Germany, and his talented staff, in the field of immunological disorders."

The intention of the Immunology Focus Program at Lynx GmbH is to exploit Lynx's technologies to discover and commercialize diagnostic and disease target opportunities in this important area of biology and medicine. Lynx GmbH also intends to establish discovery partnerships in immune disorders and to provide immunology research services using Lynx's Megaclone and MPSS technologies.