Debiopharm and MSM Protein Technologies sign oncology research agreement
To collaborate on the development of Debio 0929, an antibody targeting a G protein-coupled receptor
Debiopharm, a Swiss biopharmaceutical group focused on developing prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs, and US-based MSM Protein Technologies (MSM), a human antibody drug discovery company, are to collaborate on the development of Debio 0929, an antibody targeting a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), to be developed into a new oncology treatment.
The two companies will select antibodies against the GPCR. Upon completion of the discovery phase, MSM will grant Debiopharm a worldwide exclusive licence for the development and commercialisation of the antibody. MSM will retain marketing rights for Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries and Asia. The company will receive milestone payments from Debiopharm, as well as a share of royalties on net sales.
"We usually licence-in compounds with existing animal proof of concept, but we were seduced by MSM's technology and expertise in the generation of antibodies aimed at GPCRs," said Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and founder of Debiopharm Group.
"This is a transformational deal for MSM because it represents our first jointly owned programme with a global partner," added Davis Farmer, chairman of MSM.
