Wyeth and Ablynx sign $212m research deal

Wyeth has signed a new research and development deal with Ablynx, a Belgian biotechnology company, to develop new anti-TNF drug therapies.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ablynx could stand to receive $212.5 million (112 million pounds) for its research, involving new medical technology formed from nanobodies.

Wyeth has acquired full worldwide rights to use the technology – involving the cloning of DNA from llamas – and could also pay royalties on any product marketed, in addition to the milestone payments.

Edwin Moses, chief executive officer of Ablynx, remarked: ” Wyeth has a proven track record in the discovery, development, manufacturing and commercialisation of novel biopharmaceuticals with demonstrated success with Enbrel.”

Ablynx claims that nanobody technology has many advantages. In particular, they the show a high level of target specificity but have a low degree of toxicity in comparison to larger monoclonal antibodies, while equally they share properties with small molecule drugs and are “extremely stable”.

Furthermore, they can be humanised from their original camel and llama DNA sequences and have a low potential for an immunogenic effect.

Ablynx has engaged in several drug discovery agreements with other companies in addition to Wyeth since its 2002 inception, including Proctor & Gamble, Novartis and Centocor.