Genmab expands research deal with Seattle Genetics

Danish biotech company Genmab has struck a second cancer research agreement with Seattle Genetics, which will give it rights to use the US company's antibody technology. Genmab will be able to use Seattle Genetics' technology with an antibody (HuMax-CD74) in pre-clinical development, with the aim to target a wide range of tumours, Genmab said on Tuesday.

Seattle Genetics has received an undisclosed upfront payment and has the right to exercise a co-development and co-commercialization option for resulting products at the end of Phase I clinical development, Genmab said. Seattle Genetics will receive research support payments for any assistance provided to Genmab, it said. Genmab will be responsible for research, manufacturing, pre-clinical development and Phase I clinical evaluation of ADCs, which are antibodies that selectively deliver potent anti-cancer agents to tumour cells.