Roche and Ambrx Inc. have entered a collaboration in which Ambrx will use its proprietary technology to develop next generation proteins and peptides. These new compounds could offer efficacy or safety advantages over currently marketed products. Roche and Ambrx will initially use the technology platform to generate novel pegylated interferon alpha molecules.

"Roche is pleased to enter into this new partnership with Ambrx. If proven successful, Ambrx’s technology could potentially be beneficial to multiple projects in our biologics pipeline," said Peter Hug, Roche's global head of pharma partnering.

"This partnership with Roche further validates Ambrx’s ability to deliver protein drug candidates with enhanced efficacy, safety and ease of use. Our strategy is to partner with leaders in their respective fields. Roche has an excellent track record of success in the development and commercialisation of novel interferon therapies," said Martin A. Mattingly, president and chief executive officer of Ambrx.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will fund research and development of the products, and will retain exclusive worldwide commercialisation rights. Ambrx will receive license fees, research funding and development milestone payments plus royalties on product sales. In addition, the Roche venture fund will make an equity investment in Ambrx, claims a company release.

Ambrx is a biopharmaceutical company that transforms the science and performance of protein-based medicines. Building on a fundamental advance in protein biosynthesis, Ambrx can genetically engineer proteins with novel amino acid building blocks beyond the common 20.