XOMA (US) LLC To Humanize Attenuon, LLC's Novel Anti-Cancer Antibody

BERKELEY, Calif. and SAN DIEGO, Oct. 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- XOMA Ltd. (Nasdaq:XOMA) and Attenuon, LLC today announced an agreement for XOMA to utilize its Human Engineering(tm) (HE(tm)) technology to humanize a monoclonal antibody targeting the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system for the treatment of cancer. The uPA system plays a central role in multiple pathways and processes related to tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors). Attenuon will pay XOMA an up-front fee, development milestones, and royalties. Attenuon will retain all development and commercialization rights to the antibody. Additional financial terms were not disclosed.