Xencor, Inc. and CSL Ltd. have entered into a technology license agreement that provides CSL with access to Xencor’s Xtend technology to optimize CSL’s monoclonal antibodies. CSL will be granted an exclusive license to use Xtend half-life extension technology in its program against an undisclosed target. Xencor will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive preclinical, clinical, regulatory and sales milestone payments, as well as royalties on product sales. Financial terms were not disclosed.
 
“CSL’s selection of Xencor’s technology reflects the significant interest we have seen in the use of our Xtend platform for enhancing next-generation protein and antibody drug candidates,” said Bassil Dahiyat, Ph.D., Xencor’s chief executive officer. “This technology offers our partners an opportunity to create truly best-in-class therapeutics.”
 
“Incorporating Xencor’s Xtend technology into CSL’s drug development aligns with our approach of applying breakthrough science to the development of therapeutics for life-threatening conditions,” said Andrew Nash, Ph.D., senior vice president of research of CSL. “We are committed to developing the highest quality treatments for the patients who need them.”