Novo Nordisk is not exactly known for striking major research deals with external partners, but the Danish diabetes group has done just that.

Novo has just signed a collaboration and licensing agreement with US-based biotech company Xencor, aimed at utilizing Xencor’s technology platform for bispecific antibodies to develop novel drugs.

The total bill to Xencor could run Novo as much as USD 175 million. This figure includes an upfront payment, research support, and pre-clinical and clinical development, regulatory and sales milestones, in addition to future royalties. Novo Nordisk will gain the full commercial rights to any drugs arising from the partnership.

The Danish group has previously invested in its new partner - which develops monoclonal antibodies to treat autoimmune diseases, asthma, allergy diseases and cancer - through its Novo Nordisk Biotech Fund. In 2006 Novo Nordisk injected more than USD 6 million in Xencor.

 Novo closes inflammatory disorders unit 

 Novo expands US partnership 

 “So I called Novo Nordisk and said I wanted to work for them” 

- translated by Martin Havtorn Petersen

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