F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) and Genmab A/S announced that Genmab has achieved a second milestone in their collaboration, having reached the proof of concept stage with a human antibody generated by Genmab. This is the second antibody program in the alliance to reach this critical stage.

“With this milestone we continue to move forward in our partnership with Roche,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “We are pleased with the way our collaboration is progressing.”

The relationship, entered into in May, 2001, has proven positive for both companies and the results have been quicker than anticipated. “When Roche and Genmab began working together, we had identified a number of targets to pursue. Since then, the partnership has expanded to include several times as many targets,” explained Klaus Strein, Roche’s Head of Penzberg Pharma research Facility.

Under the agreement, Genmab utilizes 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. 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 $100 Million, plus royalties.