MorphoSys AG Collaborates with Heptares Therapeutics on GPCRs

On Feb., MorphoSys AG and the UK-based Heptares Therapeutics signed alliance to discover and develop novel antibody therapeutics targeting G protein-coupled receptors ( GPCRs ) , cataloged in membrane proteins that involve in a broad range of biological processes and diseases.

Currently GPCRs comprise the single largest class of targets for pharmaceuticals on the market. Technical challenges in some way make GPCRs have been largely intractable to therapeutic antibody development. Depending on Heptares' unique StaR(® )platform, MorphoSys AG hope they can generate stable GPCRs as antigens to handle the immense challenge.

Under the terms of the agreement, Heptares will generate stabilized receptors (StaRs) for a set of GPCR disease targets proposed by MorphoSys. Then MorphoSys will use its Ylanthia antibody library to develop antibody therapeutics against these StaRs. MorphoSys has the right to sublicense to third parties access to these targets in conjunction with therapeutic antibody candidates. Heptares will receive upfront and research funding payments, plus a share of future sublicensing revenues generated by MorphoSys. Heptares also chose Ylanthia to develop and commercialize one therapeutic antibody created by MorphoSys against a GPCR target selected by Heptares. In this case, MorphoSys is eligible to receive license fees, milestones and royalties on any Ylanthia antibody developed by Heptares.

Article Link: MorphoSys AG Collaborates with Heptares Therapeutics on GPCRs

Tags: MorphoSys AG,  Heptares Therapeutics,  Therapeutic Antibody,  GPCRs