AnaptysBio, Merck announce strategic collaboration to develop novel antibody therapeutics

AnaptysBio, Inc., a privately-held therapeutic antibody platform and product company, today announced a strategic collaboration with Merck, through an affiliate, to develop novel antibody therapeutics to a specified disease target.

“Our SHM-Platform™ generates antibodies in a human-like manner that recapitulates in the laboratory what the body naturally does when creating antibodies to fight disease. And this is achieved without the constraints and limitations often imposed by the body which can limit success”

Under the terms of the agreement, AnaptysBio will be responsible for generating novel antibodies to a specified disease target using its proprietary somatic hypermutation (SHM) technology platform. Merck will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize antibodies optimized by AnaptysBio. AnaptysBio has received an upfront sum and is eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties associated with the development and sale of any products derived from the collaboration.

“Our SHM-Platform™ generates antibodies in a human-like manner that recapitulates in the laboratory what the body naturally does when creating antibodies to fight disease. And this is achieved without the constraints and limitations often imposed by the body which can limit success,” said Tom Smart, chairman and chief executive officer for AnaptysBio. “The platform provides a powerful new approach for the generation of antibodies to meet challenging therapeutic design goals.”