Dive Brief:
- Genmab has granted Novo Nordisk commercial licenses to use its DuoBody platform to aid R&D for two therapeutic programs.
- The DuoBody platform developed by Genmab is used to create and develop bi-specific antibody candidates.
- After an initial period of exclusivity granted to Novo, Novo has the righ to maintain the exclusivity or to continue to use the platform on a non-exclusive basis.
Dive Insight:
One key aspect of this agreement is that Novo will be using Genmab's technology to develop non-cancer-related, antibody-based therapeutics. The DuoBody platform was designed to aid development of antibody therapies not only for cancer, but also for autoimmune, infectious and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Assuming that Novo is successful in its efforts, Genmab stands to receive development, regulatory and sales milestones of roughly $250 million for each exclusive license or $200 million for each non-exclusive license. Although this deal is not expected to affect Genmab's financial results this year, going forward it will benefit from this deal.