MorphoSys AG (Frankfurt: MOR; Prime Standard Segment) announced today that GPC Biotech AG has extended its exclusive license for HuCAL® antibodies directed against an MHC class II target molecule. The size of the payment to MorphoSys was not disclosed.

The aim of the collaboration between GPC Biotech and MorphoSys, which began in 1999, is to develop a new generation of therapeutically active substances for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and certain forms of cancer. The most advanced project is aimed at the selective recognition and destruction of activated, reproducing MHC class II positive tumor cells – including those in B-cell and T-cell lymphomas. In the context of the partnership between MorphoSys and GPC Biotech, the fully human antibody against the GPC Biotech target molecule was selected and optimized by MorphoSys using its HuCAL® technology. GPC Biotech reported promising pre-clinical anti-tumor data around the antibody, called 1D09C3, in 2003. GPC Biotech has reported that, with successful ongoing efforts, the Company expects to enter 1D09C3 into human clinical trials in the second half of 2004.

'Today’s announcement demonstrates that our HuCAL® antibody continues to occupy an important position in GPC Biotech's strong oncology pipeline', commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG. 'This antibody could be the first HuCAL® antibody to enter clinical trials.'