MorphoSys AG and Roche have entered a collaboration to develop new therapeutic antibodies in oncology.

Expanding on a September 2000 relationship in Alzheimer's disease, Roche will elect new target molecules against which MorphoSys will generate antibodies using its proprietary HuCAL GOLD technology, states the company release.

"Extending our active alliance shows a positive and constructive working relationship between Roche and MorphoSys. We are pleased to collaborate with a proven partner in a new therapeutic area," said Peter Hug, Roche's global head of pharma partnering.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche and MorphoSys will collaborate on two new antibody programmes in oncology. Roche will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development as well as subsequent marketing of all resulting products. MorphoSys will receive an upfront payment and may receive additional research funding and future event payments totalling more than €10 million per programme, plus potential royalties.

MorphoSys develops and applies innovative technologies for the production of synthetic antibodies, which accelerate drug discovery and target characterisation.