Lilly, ImmuNext in preclinical autoimmune pact

ImmuNext granted Lilly an exclusive, worldwide license to an undisclosed preclinical target to treat autoimmune diseases. The partners said they intend to develop an antibody targeting the metabolism of lymphocytes.

ImmuNext Inc. (Lebanon, N.H.) will receive $40 million up front and is eligible for $565 million in milestones, plus royalties. Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) and ImmuNext also established a three-year collaborative research deal to explore the target...