Genmab acquires the rights to a human antibody from Connex GmbH and INSERM, to potentially treat Hepatitis C

14-Jul-2003

Genmab A/S announced that it had in-licensed all rights to a human antibody from Connex GmbH, a privately owned German company currently in administration, and Inserm, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research. The antibody targets the E2 envelope glycoprotein on hepatitis C virus and is intended to be used in the prevention and treatment of Hepatitis C virus infection. Genmab will be solely responsible for the further research and development of the antibody and, as part of the transaction, also acquires all material relating to this antibody, including a cell line, which can be used for pre-clinical development.

INSERM and Connex jointly own the patent to the antibody. Genmab has acquired Connex's share of the patent and licensed INSERM's share so that all rights are now controlled by Genmab. Payment for both parties consists of an up front payment of US$1 million, plus milestone payments and later royalties on any eventual commercialization of this product.

The antibody was isolated from a patient who suffered from mild chronic hepatitis due to an infection with the Hepatitis C virus. The antibody reacts with the E2 protein, which is expressed on the surface of Hepatitis C virus and which plays an important role in the entry of the virus into target cells. In laboratory tests, binding of this antibody to the E2 protein was shown to potently inhibit binding of E2 to Hepatitis C virus-susceptible cells. There are a number of variations of the Hepatitis C virus and this antibody cross-reacts with the E2 protein of a wide range of Hepatitis C viruses including the most common ones.

"We are pleased to be able to acquire the rights to this antibody in order to add to our growing pipeline of products," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "Liver disease due to Hepatitis C virus infection is an important disease area where alternative medicines are urgently needed."

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/25309/genmab-acquires-the-rights-to-a-human-antibody-from-connex-gmbh-and-inserm-to-potentially-treat-hepatitis-c.html