Human Genome Sciences and Morphotek(R), Inc. Announce Collaboration to Discover, Develop and Commercialize Antibodies for Oncology and ...( ROCKVILLE Md. and EXTON Pa. March 25 ...)

ROCKVILLE, Md. and EXTON, Pa., March 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) and Morphotek(R), Inc., a subsidiary of Eisai Corporation of North America, today announced that they have entered into a collaboration to discover, develop and commercialize therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in the fields of oncology and immunology that specifically target antigens discovered by HGS.

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"The rapid commercialization of our late-stage compounds continues to be the priority focus of HGS. At the same time, we also remain committed to advancing our earlier and mid-stage programs in development to ensure sustainable growth well into the future," said H. Thomas Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer, HGS. "We look forward to collaborating with Morphotek to develop targeted new therapies based on our discoveries and extensive intellectual property estate."

Under the terms of the agreement, Morphotek will be responsible for validating targets discovered through genomic research and provided by HGS, generating and developing all monoclonal antibody candidates using proprietary Morphotek technologies, and conducting early preclinical proof of concept studies. With respect to each antibody candidate, HGS and Morphotek will have the right to opt in to participate in development and commercialization. Under certain circumstances, HGS and Morphotek may share research and development, manufacturing and commercialization costs. Financial and other specific terms were not disclosed.

"Our proprietary technologies have been applied successfully to a variety of biological targets, and we look forward to collaborating with Human Genome Sciences
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