MorphoSys AG has started three therapeutic antibody programmes within the scope of its collaboration with Schering AG. Schering has selected three new target molecules, against which MorphoSys will generate antibodies using its proprietary HuCAL (Human Combinatorial Antibody Library) GOLD technology.

Additionally, MorphoSys has granted Schering eight exclusive licenses for in vivo diagnostic applications. In exchange, MorphoSys stands to receive licensing payments. Schering will carry out pre-clinical and clinical development and has the worldwide marketing rights for all resulting products, states a company release.

Within the collaboration, originally signed in December 2001, both companies develop antibodies against a variety of disease-related target molecules mainly involved in oncology for both therapeutic and in vivo diagnostic purposes. The collaboration was extended in December 2004 until the end of 2006, with the option of a further extension period of one year beyond this time frame.

The parties have six therapeutic antibody programmes based on MorphoSys's HuCAL technology currently in progress.

"Partnered programmes based on our HuCAL technology in which we participate through milestone and royalty payments have always been at the center of the MorphoSys strategy," explained Dr Simon Moroney, CEO of MorphoSys AG.

Combined with these new programmes with Schering there are currently more than 25 partnered programmes ongoing, and as these move forward, the frequency and size of milestone payments would further increase, informed Dr Moroney

MorphoSys develops and applies innovative technologies for the production of synthetic antibodies, which accelerate drug discovery and target characterisation. Founded in 1992, the Company's proprietary HuCAL technology is used by researchers worldwide for human antibody generation.