Zyomyx Inc has obtained a license from Dyax Corp to its phage display antibody technology to develop high-density protein biochips using specific human antibodies from Dyax' proprietary human antibody library.

Zyomyx is a world leader in the development of the protein biochip, with applications to the study of proteins in a fully functional state. Zyomyx believes its protein biochip platform to be unique and superior to existing protein analysis tools and will be the first to permit the highly parallel measurement of protein abundance, structure and activity, as well as allowing the study of protein-protein and protein-small molecule interactions.

Access to Dyax' phage display technology will expedite the development of protein profiling biochips with the capacity for simultaneous detection of up to 10,000 different proteins from complex biological mixtures. Applications include drug discovery and development, disease monitoring, and diagnosis.

Dyax' phage display library technology is a high-throughput discovery method developed to rapidly identify proteins, peptides and antibodies that bind to molecular targets of interest. Utilizing Dyax' antibody and screening technology, specific antibodies of interest will be identified, isolated and incorporated into protein profiling biochips.

Under the terms of the agreement, Zyomyx has been granted non-exclusive access to Dyax' proprietary phage display library for the development and worldwide commercialization of protein biochips for research and development activities. The agreement also provides an option to extend rights to include in vitro diagnostic applications. Terms include research and technology fees, and royalties on future product sales. Specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

This agreement, combined with a recent agreement with Cambridge Antibody Technology represents the second such agreement signed by Zyomyx in its continuing effort to expand its human antibody resources.

"Dyax has developed a unique discovery tool in their customized phage displays," said Zyomyx chief executive officer, Lawrence K. Cohen, "This, our second agreement providing access to a valuable phage display library, builds upon our existing antibody resources and advances our commitment to the development of world-class protein biochips."