Xencor, Inc. has extended its research collaboration with Roche to create monoclonal antibodies with differentiated pharmacological profiles. Roche and Xencor entered into an initial collaboration in January 2005, in which Roche would apply Xencor's XmAb Fc domains with the aim of enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of an antibody against a cancer target. With this extension, Roche can further its research efforts against this target.

"We are very pleased to continue working with Roche to apply our XmAb proprietary engineered Fc domains to enhance the efficacy of Roche's proprietary antibodies," said Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Xencor.

Under the original collaboration, Xencor received technology access and license fees, and is eligible to receive additional license fees, milestones and royalties in the event that Roche advances candidates into development. Xencor will receive additional fees for the extension. Financial terms were not disclosed.