Immunex Licenses Antigens from UroCor to Develop Prostate Cancer Treatment
Under terms of the agreement, Immunex will pay UroCor an initial license fee and future milestone and royalty payments contingent upon successful development efforts. Immunex will be responsible for all research and development, and potential commercialization of any approved therapeutic antibodies against licensed UroCor target antigens.
According to Doug Williams, executive vice president and chief technology officer at Immunex, UroCor has identified and patented cell surface proteins that are potential targets for development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The licensing agreement, he said, will allow Immunex to expand its research efforts in the fight against prostate cancer and to supplement its existing research programs to find novel, validated targets for antibody development.
UroCor has developed a proprietary library of genes expressed in neoplastic or pre-cancerous prostate cells. "Our experience in urology has allowed us to assemble a sizable research library of genes which we believe may be invaluable in the fight against prostate cancer," said Michael W. George, president and CEO of UroCor. "Immunex will be an excellent partner in attempting to transfer this research into the clinic."
Immunex Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving lives through immune system science innovations.
UroCor markets integrated products and services to assist in detecting, diagnosing, treating, and managing prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and other urologic disorders.
For more information: Immunex Corp., 51 University St., Seattle, WA 98101. Tel: 206-587-0430. Fax: 206-587-0606.