Ligand Pharmaceuticals has entered into a worldwide license agreement with Tizona Therapeutics, an immunology company developing therapies for cancer and autoimmune disease, for its OmniAb transgenic animal platforms. Tizona will use the OmniRat, OmniMouse and OmniFlicplatforms to generate fully human mono- and bispecific antibodies. Ligand will be eligible to receive annual platform access payments and patent filing fees, and clinical milestones and royalties for each successful OmniAb antibody.

“We have now added Tizona as a new partner as they expand their immuno-oncology and inflammation drug discovery efforts,” said John Higgins, chief executive officer of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. “This is the second licensing deal struck by Ligand on OmniAb and the 18^th commercial partner overall, which represents a strong continued momentum for the technology. We believe the OmniAb platform has great potential to enable the discovery and development of novel medicines to meet major medical needs.”