SBI licenses anti-ILT7 protein to MedImmune

MedImmune, the biologics unit of Anglo-Swedish drug major AstraZeneca, has entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize USA-based SBI Biotech's anti-ILT7 protein for the potential treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.

MedImmune has global rights to any resulting product candidates and will be responsible for preclinical and clinical development, as well as all future development, manufacturing, sales and marketing activities.

Under the terms of the agreement, MedImmune is to provide SBI with an undisclosed upfront amount, milestone payments and royalties on future marketed products. In return, the US firm has granted MedImmune an exclusive license to research, develop and commercialize products that target the ILT7 protein. In addition, MedImmune will have the option to license additional targets resulting from SBI's research activities. Further financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.