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MorphoSys has now 3 antibodies in phase-3 - with pharma partners

MorphoSys AG announced  today the initiation of a phase 3 clinical trial in moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis with the HuCAL antibody guselkumab (CNTO1959) by its partner Janssen Biotech, Inc.This event has triggered a clinical milestone payment to MorphoSys. Further financial details were not disclosed. However, an ad hoc release shortly after this press release shows how this milestone payment has led to the increase of its financial guidance for the current year. Besides the positive financial aspects, there are further important aspects for the Martinsried-based company. Dr Marlies Sproll, CSO of MorphoSys points out: "Every start of a phase 3 trial means that the moment, when the first HuCAL antibody could reach the market, comes closer."

The clinical pipeline of MorphoSys includes 21 antibodies. 18 thereof are developed with partners, 3 are in clinical phase 3 (with Roche an antibody against Alzheimer's disease; with Novartis an antibody against body myositis and muscle atrophy, plus now the antibody partnered with Janssen Biotech), 8 are in phase 2 and 7 in phase 1.

The financial income from the partner programmes enables the company to pursue programmes on its own until a certain development stage. The company's own portfolio includes MOR208, currently in a phase 2 clinical trial against the cancer forms B-ALL, NHL and CLL. MOR202 is developed in partnership with Celgene, is analysed in a phase 1/2a trial against multiple myeloma. The third proprietary drug candidate, MOR103, is licensed to GlaxoSmithKline and has completed a phase 1b/2a trial in rheumatoid arthritis and a phase 1b trial in multiple sclerosis.

In principle, also MorphoSys is not immune against possible attritions, but the wide product portfolio and the risk allocation on several shoulders provides a good security net to cope with such events.

Further information
http://www.morphosys.de
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