MorphoSys AG and Xencor, Inc. have signed an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement for an antibody in Phase I development. Under the agreement, MorphoSys has an exclusive worldwide license to XmAb5574, a high potency monoclonal antibody developed by Xencor for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. The companies will collaborate on the Phase I trial in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), for which Xencor will continue to carry the costs under its development plan. MorphoSys will be responsible for further development costs. Xencor will receive an upfront payment of $13 million and will be eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercialization milestones and royalties on sales.

“We are delighted to add this clinical program to our growing portfolio of innovative development candidates,” said Dr. Simon Moroney, chief executive officer of MorphoSys AG. “Our first in-licensing deal of a clinical compound is a further step in the execution of our plan to build a strong portfolio of proprietary therapeutic antibodies. The strong cash-flow from our partnered discovery business gives us the means of supporting an attractive proprietary development program, to which XmAb5574/MOR208 is an important addition.”

“As we look ahead to the potential of XmAb5574 to treat B-cell cancers, a development collaboration with a leading global antibody company like MorphoSys is an important step forward for us by allowing us to bring significant additional Resources to the program,” said Dr. Bassil Dahiyat, chief executive officer of Xencor.