Theraclone Sciences, Inc., a Seattle-based biotechnology company, and Zenyaku Kogyo Co., Ltd., a pharmaceutical company based in Tokyo, today announced that they have entered into a multi-year research and development agreement.
The collaboration will use Theraclone’s I-STAR™ technology to discover broadly protective monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of pandemic influenza and severe seasonal influenza. In a September, 2009 publication in the journal, Science, Theraclone and collaborators announced the successful isolation of two novel, highly potent neutralizing antibodies to HIV virus from a human subject. Using a similar strategy, Theraclone and Zenyaku Kogyo will embark on a novel discovery program to identify conserved, essential antibody targets on the influenza A virus.
Under the terms of the agreement, Zenyaku Kogyo will receive an option to exclusive antibody rights in Asia, including certain Oceania countries. In addition, Zenyaku Kogyo will retain an option in the territory to potential vaccine candidates stemming from the discovery research. In exchange for these rights, Theraclone will receive an upfront cash payment. If Zenyaku Kogyo exercises its option, Theraclone is entitled to receive success-based R&D milestones totaling over $18M through Phase 1 clinical studies. Theraclone shall receive clinical milestone payments and royalties from potential future sales in the territory and shall retain development and commercial rights in non-Asian countries.