Roche has filed an investigational new drug application (IND) with the US Food and Drug Administration for a Genmab antibody developed under the companies’ collaboration. This is the ninth milestone Genmab has achieved under the agreement. Genmab will receive a milestone payment from Roche which does not influence Genmab’s financial guidance for 2005.

Under the agreement with Roche, Genmab utilises its broad antibody expertise and development capabilities to create human antibodies to a broad range of disease targets identified by Roche. Roche has a proven successful track record in developing biologicals as innovative new products, claims a company release.

Genmab receives milestone and royalty payments based on successful products. In certain circumstances, Genmab may obtain rights to develop products based on disease targets identified by Roche. If all goals are reached, the value of the collaboration to Genmab could be USD 100 million, plus royalties. Roche has selected four Genmab antibodies as clinical candidates and this is the first of the four to enter the clinic.

“This is the sixth Genmab product to enter clinical development. This move to clinical development is a testament to Genmab’s antibody discovery skills as well as Roche’s skill in identifying valid disease targets,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, chief executive officer of Genmab.