InNexus and Genhelix to Combine Antibody Development and Manufacturing Resources

Fri Jul 10, 2009 9:10am EDT
 
[-] Text [+]
LEON, Spain & BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada--(Business Wire)--
InNexus Biotechnology Inc. (TSX Venture: IXS) (OTCBB: IXSBF) and Genhelix
Biopharmaceutical Company announced today the signing of a Letter of Intent to
set the stage for a planned strategic collaboration to focus on developing novel
antibodies engineered with InNexus` DXL technology. 

The research and licensing agreement between the collaborators is expected to be
completed later this year. InNexus will conduct preclinical development for a
DXL therapeutic against an undisclosed target, with Genhelix providing GMP
production and commercial manufacturing. DXL antibodies are biologics engineered
with the novel ability to link with one another (self-binding) upon reaching
their target, exhibiting marked enhancements for ADCC and CDC functions over the
source antibody. 

News of the planned alliance follows InNexus` recently announced successful
meeting with the FDA, where the agency expressed clear support for the company`s
product development plans following a comprehensive review of the proposed
clinical pathway for its lead preclinical candidate, DXL625 (CD20) for the
prospective treatment of non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma and/or chronic lymphocytic
leukemia. The agency also provided a Manufacturing Exception Approval allowing
InNexus to manufacture all clinical material needed for DXL625`s Phase l human
trial, in its facilities located on the campus of Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale,
Arizona. 

Speaking on the announcement, David Marcos Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of
Genhelix, said, "The antibody industry is growing at an unprecedented rate.
Today, it is estimated to have over $30 billion in worldwide sales, and
antibodies are expected to be the pharmaceutical industry`s leading choice for
the development of new therapeutic compounds. We are excited to be working with
Mr. Morhet, his team and the partnership, as both organizations have enormous
potential." 

Jeff Morhet, Chief Executive Officer of InNexus, said, "Our organizations are
poised to strategically collaborate as partners focused on the development of
new products, while maintaining our respective business competencies. This
collaboration provides significant opportunities for both companies, and
represents a creative approach to partnering that brings resources and
capabilities together while the partners stay focused." 

About Genhelix Biopharmaceutical Company 

Genhelix is an independent biotechnology-based company devoted to the
manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products through the application of mammalian
cell culture technology under contract manufacturing agreements. The mission of
the company is to produce high-value active compounds in the fields of
anti-cancer, cardiovascular or immunology therapies. Applied technologies are
based on monoclonal antibody manufacturing. Genhelix currently has agreements
with leading biotechnological companies from Europe, America and Japan. To learn
more about Genhelix, please visit www.genhelix.com. 

About InNexus Biotechnology Inc. 

InNexus is a public biotechnology company commercializing the next generation of
monoclonal antibodies based on its DXL technology, which improves the potency of
existing antibody products while opening new markets and disease applications.
DXL antibodies utilize unique, novel and patented methods and technologies of
InNexus. InNexus is headquartered in British Columbia with principal management
based in Scottsdale, Arizona on the campus of Mayo Clinic and has its own
in-house developmental facilities. These development resources provide
validation of protein and peptide discoveries, enabling InNexus (and its
strategic partners) to advance novel drug therapeutics and diagnostics. InNexus
Biotechnology Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX Venture: IXS) and
the NASD OTCBB (OTCBB: IXSBF). To learn more about InNexus, please visit
www.ixsbio.com. 

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain
assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements that involve
inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are
beyond the Company's control, which may cause actual results or performance to
differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. 



Genhelix Biopharmaceutical Company
David Marcos Martinez, Chief Executive Officer
+34 987 219 558
www.genhelix.com
or
InNexus Biotechnology Inc.
Jeff Morhet, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
+01 480-862-7500
www.ixsbio.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009

 

Featured Broker sponsored link

Editor's Choice

A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours.  Slideshow 

Most Popular on Reuters

  • Articles
  • Video