MARTINSRIED, GERMANY--(Marketwire - February 23, 2010) -
MorphoSys AG / AbD Serotec Significantly Improves Antibody Generation Process processed and transmitted by Hugin AS. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Automation and HuCAL PLATINUM Support Increase in Success Rates to 98%
MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX) today announced that its research and diagnostic antibody unit AbD Serotec has demonstrated significant progress using the HuCAL-based technology platform to generate custom-made monoclonal antibodies for research and diagnostic use. Over the course of the last four years, AbD Serotec gradually improved success rates year-on-year starting at 80% in 2006 to reach 98% in 2009. This was mainly achieved through a high degree of automation in many aspects of the antibody generation process, by optimizing protocols and finally by the implementation of HuCAL PLATINUM, the latest and most powerful version of MorphoSys’s antibody libraries.
“Thanks to the very effective technology and process development efforts at AbD Serotec, we have managed to deliver antibodies in almost every customer project we initiated in 2009. The success rates achieved by AbD Serotec in 2009 are significantly higher than the average success rate usually seen in the industry with animal-based methods, of around 75%,’' commented Dieter Feger, Head of AbD Serotec. “The HuCAL technology is making ever-increasing inroads into the diagnostics market as its intrinsic advantages are recognized.”
About MorphoSys:
MorphoSys is an independent biotechnology company that develops novel antibodies for therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications. The Company’s HuCAL technology is one of the most powerful methods available for generating fully human antibodies. By successfully applying this and other proprietary technologies, MorphoSys has become a leader in the field of therapeutic antibodies, one of the fastest-growing drug classes in human health-care. Through its alliances with some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, MorphoSys has created a pipeline of more than 60 drug candidates. The Company is expanding its drug pipeline by adding new partnered programs, and by building a portfolio of fully-owned therapeutic antibodies. For its proprietary portfolio, the Company is focused on the areas of oncology and inflammation. Its most advanced program MOR103, a first-in-class, fully human antibody against GM- CSF, is currently tested in a Phase Ib/IIa trial in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Via its business unit AbD Serotec, MorphoSys is expanding the reach of its technologies in the diagnostics and research markets. MorphoSys is headquartered in Munich, Germany and listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “MOR”. For further information, visit http://www.morphosys.com/ HuCAL®, HuCAL GOLD®, HuCAL PLATINUM® and RapMAT® are registered trademarks of MorphoSys AG
This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company’s assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned.
For more information, please contact: MorphoSys AG Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Löser Head of Corporate Communications & IR Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-122 Mario Brkulj Senior Manager Corporate Communications & IR Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-454 Jessica Kulpi Specialist Corporate Communications & IR Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-332 investors@morphosys.com
[HUG#1386638]
Press Release: http://hugin.info/130295/R/1386638/345238.pdf