Halozyme, BioAtla In Active Biologics Research Pact

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. has signed an exclusive, worldwide, contract research collaboration with BioAtla, LLC for the development of novel high throughput recombinant protein screening libraries directed against targets in oncology, aesthetic dermatology and inflammation. During the initial three-year term of the agreement, Halozyme will receive exclusive worldwide commercial rights from BioAtla to conditionally active biologics (CABs) that result from the agreement.

The program aims to generate novel CABs that interact with their targets under highly specific, predefined conditions in the body. Halozyme will use its expertise in the extracellular matrix and experience targeting unique tissue microenvironments to identify, generate, and develop biologics directed against novel and existing targets. BioAtla will apply its gene synthesis and high throughput expression screening expertise in the library generation and screening of protein analogs with evolved specificity and activity.

“This research initiative utilizing BioAtla’s technology is an extension of an existing collaboration that has been successful in generating temperature controlled matrix metalloproteinase enzymes,” stated Gregory I. Frost, Ph.D., Halozyme’s chief scientific officer. “We believe that evolving protein analogs with properties to produce more controlled and directed therapeutic activity could lead to safer and more effective medicines with fewer side effects.”

Halozyme anticipates that basic research on the first compound covered by the agreement will be underway during 1H10. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.