December 23, 2004 – Press Release
Micromet and EvoGenix Pty Ltd. Sign License Agreement for Single-chain Antibodies
Munich, Germany and Sydney, Australia, December 23, 2004 – Micromet AG and EvoGenix Pty Ltd. have signed an agreement granting EvoGenix a research license to Micromet’s and Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s combined patent estates in the field of single-chain antibodies (SCA). Under the terms of the agreement, EvoGenix will apply SCA technology in combination with its proprietary EvoGene™ technology for the generation and optimization of antibodies that may serve as basis for novel diagnostic or therapeutic products. Micromet will receive an upfront payment, annual maintenance fees and sublicensing fees, which will be shared between Micromet and Enzon. The EvoGene™ technology allows EvoGenix to mimic the process of evolution in a test tube, so that proteins such as antibodies can be progressively improved until their properties are ideal for use as drugs. “This is the sixth SCA license agreement we have closed on behalf of Micromet and Enzon since the start of our alliance. We are pleased to combine our SCA technology with Evogenix’ highly innovative and promising EvoGene™ technology that opens new trails for the generation and optimization of antibodies,” said Christian Itin, Chief Executive Officer of Micromet. “We are particularly pleased that Micromet and Enzon are making this important technology widely available to the biotechnology and pharmaceutical community through their combined licensing strategy,” said Dr Rob Crombie, Vice President for Business Development with EvoGenix. “The SCA format is well suited to be combined with the EvoGene™ platform for the identification of potent new antibody therapeutics. The sublicense arrangements included under the agreement will ensure effective testing of product candidates, supporting both the pharmaceutical industry and the community by more rapid development of important new disease treatments”. ###
Contact for Micromet Media: Evelyn Wolf Phone: +49 89 895277-220 Email: evelyn.wolf@micromet.de Investors: Ines-Regina Buth Phone: +49 89 895277-221 Email: ines-regina.buth@micromet.de Business Development: Agustin de la Calle Phone: +49 89 895277-296 Email: agustin.calle@micromet.de Contact for EvoGenix Dr Rob Crombie, VP Business Development Phone: +61 3 96627322 Mobile: +61 439361331 Email: r.crombie@evogenix.com.au Dr Merilyn Sleigh, CEO Phone: +61 (0)2 8257 3393 Mobile: +61 (0)412 766 790 Email: m.sleigh@evogenix.com.au Web: www.evogenix.com
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Notes to Editors About Micromet AG Micromet AG, a private Munich-based biotechnology company, puts novel concepts in immunotherapy to work. Using proprietary technologies, the Company is building a strong pipeline of innovative drug candidates for the treatment of cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disease. Two candidates are currently in clinical trials. The Company has established a powerful drug development platform based on its BiTE™ technology, a unique drug format that leverages the outstanding cytotoxic potential of T cells, the most powerful ‘killer cells’ of the human immune system. In addition Micromet is exploiting the potential of SCAs (single-chain antibodies) for the development of novel drug formats under a multiyear strategic collaboration with Enzon Inc. Micromet has integrated infrastructure and expertise in all disciplines of drug design and development. The Company has attracted both, top-tier life-science investors and corporate partners such as MedImmune, Inc., Enzon, Inc. and Serono. For further information, please visit the Company's web site at www.micromet.de. About EvoGenix Pty Ltd. EvoGenix is a privately-owned Australian biotechnology company established in 2001. EvoGenix specialises in rapid identification of highly potent proteins for use as therapeutics, with a particular focus on antibodies. It uses a laboratory process that mimics evolution to mutate and select active proteins and so create superior products best positioned for clinical and market success. Through its alliance with US-based Absalus Inc, EvoGenix also provides an integrated approach to developing potent humanized antibodies for therapeutic development. EvoGenix is currently applying its technology in joint projects with international partners, as well as developing an internal pipeline of exciting new antibody therapeutics. For further information please visit the company’s website at www.evogenix.com
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