Under the agreement, MorphoSys will license the human cell line HKB 11 for the production of its humanised HuCAL antibodies and will gain rights to use this in its own research. It also has an option to use Bayer's cell line for the commercial production of antibodies.
In exchange, Bayer will switch its in-house R&D programmes to the MorphoSys' HuCAL GOLD antibody technology, designed to make antibodies that are fully-human in structure and character. This makes them safer to use in patients and reduces their immunogenicity - reducing the risk that the recipient may make neutralising antibodies that block the treatment's activity.
No financial details were given, but the new deal builds on one between the two companies signed in December 1999.
At the end of last year, MorphoSys signed a HuCAL agreement with Pfizer, worth a potential $50 million (€39.5m) to the German firm.