4-Antibody, Recepta Biopharma, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research deal

4-Antibody and the institute expanded a May 2011 deal to include Recepta as a development partner as well as three additional undisclosed targets with roles in the suppression of immune responses in cancer patients. In 2011, 4-Antibody and the institute partnered to produce human antibodies against four undisclosed targets with roles in the regulation of T cell responses. Also in 2011, the partners said 4-Antibody would seek a partner for further development of the antibodies.

Under the amended deal, 4-Antibody will generate and produce the antibodies using its Retrocyte Display platform, while the institute will validate the candidates and conduct early clinical testing in cancer in the U.S. Recepta, which will conduct early clinical testing in Brazil, will have exclusive commercial rights in Brazil in exchange for undisclosed licensing fees. The partners said they expect a lead candidate to enter clinical trials by early 2015. ...