MorphoSys AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: MOR; Prime Standard Segment; TecDAX) announced today that GPC Biotech AG has commenced a Phase 1 clinical trial with a fully human cancer antibody generated using the MorphoSys' HuCAL® technology. The testing in human patients with the HuCAL®-generated antibody represents a significant milestone for MorphoSys, in that it is the first MorphoSys-generated antibody to be administered to humans. The commencement of clinical trials triggers a clinical milestone payment from GPC Biotech to MorphoSys.
In December 2004, GPC Biotech received clearance from Swiss authorities to initiate human clinical testing with the HuCAL®-derived anticancer monoclonal antibody 1D09C3. In total, the clinical trials will involve three different sites in Europe and first commence at the Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland (IOSI), a world-renowned oncology center that has been involved in numerous previous Phase 1 studies.