Copenhagen, Denmark; December 13, 2005 – Genmab A/S (CSE:
GEN) announced today that its partner Roche has filed an Investigational
New Drug application (IND) with the US Food and Drug Administration for a
Genmab antibody developed under the companies’ collaboration. This is the
ninth milestone Genmab has achieved under the agreement. Genmab will
receive a milestone payment from Roche which does not influence Genmab’s
financial guidance for 2005.
Under the agreement with Roche, Genmab utilizes its broad antibody
expertise and development capabilities to create human antibodies to a
broad range of disease targets identified by Roche. Roche has a proven
successful track record in developing biologicals as innovative new
products. Genmab receives milestone and royalty payments based on
successful products. In certain circumstances, Genmab may obtain rights to
develop products based on disease targets identified by Roche. If all
goals are reached, the value of the collaboration to Genmab could be USD
100 million, plus royalties. Roche has selected four Genmab
antibodies as clinical candidates and this is the first of the four to
enter the clinic.
“This is the sixth Genmab product to enter clinical development,” said Lisa
N. Drakeman, Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “This move to clinical
development is a testament to Genmab’s antibody discovery skills as well as
Roche’s skill in identifying valid disease targets.”