Tolerx Reaches New Milestone with Genentech

Tolerx reached a clinical milestone in its collaboration with Genentech, as that company recently moved a modified version of TRX1, MTRX1011A, an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody, into a Phase I clinical trial. The trial is evaluating the safety and tolerability of both single and multiple doses of MTRX1011A.

Under the terms of the collaboration agreement between Tolerx and Genentech, Tolerx realized milestones in the first quarter of this year upon selection of the antibody for further development within Genentech’s clinical pipeline and upon IND filing. The initiation of the clinical trial resulted in the realization of an additional milestone by Tolerx.

Dr. Douglas J. Ringler, president and chief executive officer of Tolerx, commented, “We are extremely pleased that our collaboration with Genentech has resulted in the continued advancement of the program, and we look forward to continued progress.”

Tolerx and Genentech entered into a collaboration in 2002 to develop and commercialize anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. Genentech has the right in all indications to develop, manufacture and commercialize such anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies. Tolerx will receive additional milestone payments upon further successful development by Genentech of the anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies in autoimmune or other indications. Tolerx may receive royalties on worldwide net sales of the anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies that Genentech successfully develops. In lieu of receiving royalties on product sales in the U.S., Tolerx has the option to participate in a loss- and profit-sharing arrangement with Genentech.