Ciphergen Expands License Agreement with Genencor for Chromatographic Sorbents for Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Production

22-Jan-2004

FREMONT, Calif. - Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc. announced the expansion of its existing License Agreement with Genencor International, Inc. covering the production and marketing of products based on certain of Genencor's proprietary Hydrophobic Charge Induction chromatography technology.

Ciphergen employs this technology in the production of MEP HyperCel(R) by its BioSepra(R) process chromatography division. MEP Hypercel is a high capacity, high selectivity sorbent with a number of significant advantages over Protein A sorbents for the capture, purification and production of monoclonal antibodies.

Under the expanded terms of the agreement, Ciphergen has exclusive, worldwide right to use Genencor's technology for the production of MEP chromatographic sorbents as well as MEP membranes. Furthermore, Ciphergen has the right to both distribute products based on this technology through its own channels and third parties. The agreement also allows Ciphergen to sub-contract MEP Hypercel manufacturing rights under the license to third parties under certain conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Monoclonal antibodies constitute the largest number of protein-based therapeutic and diagnostic molecules currently in clinical trials. Affinity chromatography on Protein A-based sorbents is a very widely used antibody purification method, but is plagued by many known problems including cost, lifetime in usage and leaching issues. The physical properties of MEP HyperCel allow it to be used in production processes at approximately 1/3 of the cost of Protein A-based sorbents, with approximately 2 times the productivity.

"We are extremely pleased by the expansion of this license agreement, which broadens our rights and enhances our ability to promote acceptance of MEP HyperCel by monoclonal antibody manufacturers," stated William E. Rich, President and CEO of Ciphergen. "The price and productivity advantages of MEP HyperCel over Protein A-based products has already resulted in this product being evaluated in over 100 processes and employed in 5 processes for the production of material for clinical trials."

"MEP is a part of our portfolio of bioprocessing technologies that offers tremendous advantages in the purification of monoclonal antibodies," said Gary Hooper, Vice President of Business Development for Genencor International. "Ciphergen is well positioned to create wider market acceptance for use of MEP-based products and services in a rapidly growing field."

Other news from the department business & finance

Most read news

More news from our other portals

Fighting cancer: latest developments and advances

See the theme worlds for related content

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

View topic world

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

Topic World Chromatography

Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!

20+ products
10+ whitepaper
20+ brochures
View topic world

Topic World Chromatography

Chromatography enables us to separate, identify and thus understand complex substances. Whether in the food industry, pharmaceutical research or environmental analysis - chromatography opens up a treasure trove of information about the composition and quality of our samples. Discover the fascinating world of chromatography!

20+ products
10+ whitepaper
20+ brochures