Thursday, February 7, 2008

Xencor In Deal With Human Genome Sciences

Monrovia, California-based Xencor and Human Genome Sciences said Thursday that they are in an agreement where HGS will make an upfront payment and additional payments and royalties to Xencor. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, however HGS said that Xencor will receive both the upfront payment, as well as development and commercial milestones, and royalties on any products commercialized under the companies' agreement. Xencor's technology will be applied to Human Genome Sciences' compounds and monoclonal antibodies; Xencor's compounds are designed to make monoclonal antibodies more effective. Xencor is venture backed by Oxford Bioscience Partners, Merlin Nexus, Novo Nordisk, and others.