MorphoSys AG (Frankfurt: MOR; Prime Standard Segment) today announced an agreement with Bayer HealthCare for the cross-licensing of certain technologies. Under the agreement, MorphoSys will receive the human cell line HKB 11 for production of HuCAL® antibodies. MorphoSys will also receive the right to use the cell line for its own research and an option for the commercial production of antibodies using the HKB 11 cell line. In exchange, Bayer will switch its in-house R&D programs to the MorphoSys HuCAL® GOLD antibody technology. Additionally, MorphoSys will receive an installation fee from Bayer HealthCare.
The announcement builds on the existing agreement between the two companies, entered into in December 1999. In July 2001, the collaboration was extended to run through the end of 2005. The collaboration focuses on the use of human antibodies for application in the areas of therapy, diagnostics and target research. In the context of the agreement, MorphoSys receives annual license payments and can receive development-related milestone payments and royalties for marketed products.
“We are delighted to be expanding our collaboration with Bayer”, commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG. “This expansion further enhances our capabilities for the development of therapeutic antibodies and is an important component for our partnering strategy.”
The announcement builds on the existing agreement between the two companies, entered into in December 1999. In July 2001, the collaboration was extended to run through the end of 2005. The collaboration focuses on the use of human antibodies for application in the areas of therapy, diagnostics and target research. In the context of the agreement, MorphoSys receives annual license payments and can receive development-related milestone payments and royalties for marketed products.
“We are delighted to be expanding our collaboration with Bayer”, commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG. “This expansion further enhances our capabilities for the development of therapeutic antibodies and is an important component for our partnering strategy.”