Genmab ties up with Novo Nordisk for DuoBody technology

Following an initial period of exclusivity for the two target combinations, Novo Nordisk will also be at liberty to take the licenses forward on a non-exclusive basis.

The bispecific antibodies will have their focus on a disease area outside of cancer therapeutics.

The DuoBody can be described as Genmab’s proprietary technology platform for discovering and developing bispecific antibodies. Bispecific antibodies are capable of binding to two different epitopes either on the same, or on different targets.

Dual-targeting is likely to enhance binding specificity and efficacy in inactivating disease targets with the generation of bispecifics enhancing antibody therapy of cancer, autoimmune, and infectious and central nervous system disease.

Genmab CEO Jan van de Winkel said: "Our proprietary DuoBody technology can be used to create bispecific antibodies that target a wide variety of disease areas. Today’s agreement with Novo Nordisk is an example of how we can leverage access to our unique state-of-the art antibody expertise and collaborations to generate diverse revenue streams in areas beyond cancer."

Novo Nordisk will make an upfront payment of $2m to Genmab, which will also qualify for potential development, regulatory and sales milestones of up to around $250m for each exclusive license, or around $200m for each non-exclusive license.

Genmab will also be entitled to single-digit royalties on sales of any commercialized products.