Symphogen/Meiji antibody progress triggers milestone

Meiji Seikahas begun the preclinical development of Sym006, a recombinant polyclonal antibody discovered by Symphogentargeting an undisclosed bacterial pathogen. The move triggers a milestone payment to the private Danish firm as part of a basic research collaboration signed two years ago. Under this, Symphogen is applying its antibody discovery, manufacturing and characterisation technology in return for milestones, sales royalties and other project funding from Meiji. It also has an option to co-develop Sym006 in the US and Europe after the completion of the first Phase II trial, in which case profits would be shared equally. The polyclonal antibodies are derived from human B lymphocytes against target antigens and mimic the natural immune response.