Genmab in collaboration with Janssen for DuoBody platform

Denmark-based Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) says it has entered into a collaboration with Janssen Biotech, a subsidiary of US health care giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and its affiliates  to create and develop bispecific antibodies using its DuoBody technology platform.

Genmab will create panels of bispecific antibodies to multiple disease target combinations identified by Janssen, who will in turn fully fund research at Genmab. Under the terms of the deal, Genmab and Janssen will collaborate on the research of up to 10 DuoBody programs and Genmab will receive an upfront $3.5 million from Janssen and all research by Genmab will be fully funded by Janssen. In addition, Genmab will potentially be entitled to milestone and license payments of up to approximately $175 million for each product as well as royalties on any commercialized products.

"Since the introduction of our DuoBody platform in 2010, we have believed in its potential to become the preferred technology for next generation bispecific antibody therapeutics. Today's announcement is another indicator that the pharmaceutical industry recognizes our leadership in the therapeutic antibody field," said Jan van de Winkel, chief executive of Genmab. "