US-based drug discovery and development firm, Heptares Therapeutics has delivered the first stabilised G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) called 'StaR' to MorphoSys for antibody discovery as part of their antibody therapeutics alliance.
The stabilised GPCR 'StaR' will be used by MorphoSys as an antigen against the production of new antibodies.
As a result of the move, MorphoSys will pay an undisclosed amount to Heptares, whose StaR platform provides an advanced solution to the main challenge related with making antibodies against GPCRs.
The GPCRs produces purified, properly folded and functional protein when removed from the cell membrane for use as an antigen.
Additionally, StaR proteins preserve biologically relevant epitopes, which will enable generation of multiple panels of functional antibodies.
Under the deal signed in February 2013, Heptares is producing stabilised receptors for a set of GPCR disease targets proposed by MorphoSys.
Following which, MorphoSys will use its Ylanthia antibody library to discover and develop antibody therapeutics against the StaR proteins.
As part of the deal, MorphoSys has the right to sublicense to third parties access to these targets in combination with therapeutic antibody candidates.
So far, Heptares has got upfront and research funding payments, and is eligible to receive a share of future sublicensing revenues made by MorphoSys.
The deal will see Heptares develop and commercialise one therapeutic antibody created by MorphoSys against a GPCR target, under which the latter is eligible to receive licence fees, milestones and royalties on any developed Ylanthia antibody.
