Cambridge, UK, 2 February 2016: Kymab Limited, a leading human monoclonal antibody biopharmaceutical company announced today that the English High Court has revoked European Patent EP(UK) 1 360 287 and EP(UK) 2 264 163 owned by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The revoked patents sought to cover genetically modified mice containing human antibody variable region loci and humanised antibodies from such mice. The English High Court decided on 1 February 2016, in agreement with Kymab, that Regeneron’s claimed antibody discovery inventions are unpatentable since they lack the required evidence that they could be practiced.
For further information contact:
Kymab:
David Chiswell, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Anne Hyland, Chief Financial Officer
Tel: +44 1223 833301, Email: media@kymab.com
Hume Brophy:
Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur and Hollie Vile
Tel: +44 20 3440 5653, Email: kymab@humebrophy.com
Notes to Editors
About the Court Case
In September 2013, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Regeneron”) commenced proceedings before the English High Court against Kymab alleging that Kymab infringed Regeneron’s European Patent EP(UK) 1 360 287. The trial took place in London in November and December 2015 with Kymab counterclaiming invalidity of patents. The judgement was publically handed down on 1 February 2016, the judge held, in agreement with Kymab, that EP(UK) 1 360 287 and EP(UK) 2 264 163 (the “Murphy patents”) are invalid. Regeneron may have an opportunity to appeal.
About Kymab
Kymab is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of fully human monoclonal antibody drugs using its proprietary Kymouse antibody platform.
Kymouse has been designed to maximise the diversity of human antibodies produced in response to immunisation with antigens. Selecting from a broad diversity of fully human antibodies assures the highest probability of finding that rare drug candidate with best-in-class characteristics. The Kymouse naturally matures these molecules to highly potent drugs obviating the need for further time-consuming modifications. Kymab is using the platform for its internal drug discovery programmes and in partnership with pharmaceutical companies. Kymab commenced operations in 2010 and has raised over US$120m of equity financing which includes $90m Series B financing. It has an experienced management team with a successful track record in drug discovery and development and has numerous therapeutic antibody programmes in immune-oncology, auto-immunity; haematology, infectious disease and other areas. http://www.kymab.com
