BioCentury
ARTICLE | Company News

Human Genome Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Kirin deal

April 21, 2008 7:00 AM UTC

GlaxoSmithKline returned to Human Genome rights to mapatumumab ( HGS-ETR1) and an option to lexatumumab (HGS-ETR2). Mapatumumab, a TRM-1 antibody agonist of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor-1 ( TRAIL-R1), is in Phase II testing to treat multiple myeloma (MM) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is slated to begin a Phase II trial in hepatocellular cancer by mid-year. Lexatumumab, a mAb against TRAIL-R2, is in Phase I testing to treat cancer. GlaxoSmithKline had an option to co-develop and co-promote the compounds under a 1996 deal and exercised its option on mapatumumab in 2005 (see BioCentury, Aug. 22, 2005).

In return, Human Genome agreed to a reduction in its royalties for Syncria (formerly Albugon) albiglutide, which is in Phase II testing to treat Type II diabetes. Human Genome granted GlaxoSmithKline rights to the fusion protein of albumin and a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in 2004. Human Genome will now receive royalties at the low end of the previously established range of single digits to low double digits. ...