Dyax Corp. and Kadmon sign strategic licensing agreement for antibody inhibitor DX-2400

Novel MMP-14 Inhibitor to be Developed in Multi-Indication Oncology Program

24-Sep-2012 - USA

Dyax Corp. and Kadmon Corporation, LLC (Kadmon) announced that they have entered into a strategic licensing agreement in which Kadmon has been granted an exclusive worldwide license for the development and commercialization of the fully human monoclonal antibody DX-2400, a potent and selective antibody inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP-14). MMP-14 is a key enzyme in a molecular pathway thought to play a role in tumor blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) in addition to affecting tumor growth and cell migration. Under the terms of the agreement, Dyax will receive an upfront payment, and is eligible for significant development and commercial milestone payments, in addition to tiered royalties on commercial sales up to a double-digit rate. As an exclusive licensee, Kadmon will be responsible for further development and commercialization of DX-2400, which is currently in investigational new drug (IND) application-enabling studies.

Targeting MMP-14 has therapeutic potential in multiple oncology indications where human tumor tissue sample analysis has confirmed high levels of active MMP-14. In published work, Dyax has previously demonstrated DX-2400 mediated inhibition of primary tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis in preclinical models of breast, melanoma and prostate cancer.

DX-2400 was discovered using Dyax's "gold-standard" phage display technology where Dyax applied its extensive selection and screening expertise to selectively block catalytic activity of a single protease within a larger and closely related family of enzymes. This antibody is another example of the superior functional selectivity available to validate novel biologic targets using Dyax's phage display libraries.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous