Ablynx inks licensing deal for Nanobodies

Ablynx has agreed to license its Nanobodies technology to Wyeth for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-(alpha)) protein and its receptors in a deal worth up to $212 million in up-front fees and milestone payments. Belgium's Ablynx has been developing small antibodies by cloning the DNA sequences of llamas, which have smaller antibodies than humans. In theory, the technology will take antibodies to a smaller level, allowing their use in drugs that can be taken orally or in creams and sprays.

"Ablynx is an exciting European biotechnology company that has established the feasibility of their novel Nanobody platform by generating Nanobodies to more than twenty different targets," said Dr. Frank Walsh, Executive Vice President, Head of Discovery Research, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. "We look forward to a productive and long lasting partnership with Ablynx."

- here's the release on the licensing deal

ALSO: Cephalon has agreed to pay an up-front fee of $18 million to Ambit for access to Ambit's proprietary KinomeScan technology. In addition, the companies will collaborate on advancing two programs targeting undisclosed kinases, with Ambit having primary responsibility for delivering clinical candidates that Cephalon will further develop in exchange for additional milestone payments to Ambit of up to $232.5 million and royalties on commercial sales. Ambit will also have the opportunity to utilize Cephalon library compounds to discover and develop products that are effective inhibitors of certain undisclosed kinases. Ambit was a 2006 Fierce 15 company. Release