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MorphoSys enters agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for developing RA drug

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MorphoSys has announced a global license agreement with GlaxoSmithKline for MorphoSys’ proprietary HuCAL-derived antibody against granulocyte-macrophage colony–stimulating factor for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a press release.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) will assume responsibility for all subsequent development and commercialization of the investigational medicine, MOR103, which has not been approved for use anywhere in the world, according to the release from MorphoSys.

A phase 1 study with MOR103 and healthy volunteers and a phase 1/2 clinical trial including patients with mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis have concluded, according to MorphoSys. MOR103 also is being evaluated in a phase 1b dose-escalation safety study for treating multiple sclerosis.

“The pre-clinical and clinical data we have generated show that MOR103 has the potential to offer new treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis,” Arndt Schottelius, MD, PhD, MorphoSys chief development officer, said in the release. “We also believe that this molecule has potential in other indications. I’m delighted that with this agreement, MOR103 will progress to the next stage in its development.”

As part of the agreement, MorphoSys receives an immediate payment of €22.5 million, and would be eligible to receive additional payments from GSK of up to €423 million, plus sales royalties, the release stated.