BioWa Announces the Licensing of its Potelligent Technology to Biogen Idec

BioWa, Inc. announced that the company has granted a commercial license to Biogen Idec Inc. to use BioWa's Potelligent Technology for the enhancement of ADCC.

Princeton, NJ (PRWEB) June 29, 2004

BioWa, Inc. announced that the company has granted a commercial license to Biogen Idec Inc. to use BioWa's Potelligent™ Technology for the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Biogen Idec plans to use the Potelligent™ Technology to enhance the ADCC function of selected Biogen Idec antibodies for potential therapeutic applications, including cancer. The agreement provides Biogen Idec with the right to reserve for itself exclusive commercial rights to develop antibodies for an undisclosed number of targets. In return, BioWa will receive a signing fee, and could receive milestone payments and royalties on products developed by Biogen Idec. Detailed licensing terms/financial terms were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to enter into a relationship with Biogen Idec, one of the world's foremost biotech companies. Biogen Idec's proven expertise in the development of novel therapeutics, as well as biologics manufacturing, makes them a superb partner in developing Potelligent™ enhanced antibodies. This agreement reinforces BioWa's goal of creating the ultimate therapeutic antibodies available to patients as quickly as possible," said Dr. Nobuo Hanai, President and CEO of BioWa.

About BioWa, Inc.

BioWa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co, Ltd, Japan's leading pharmaceutical and largest biotech company. BioWa is the exclusive worldwide licensor of Potelligent™ Technology. Potelligent™ Technology creates high antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) monoclonal antibodies. ADCC is a critical function of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies to kill tumor cells. The enhancement of ADCC is seen up to 100 fold in vitro. BioWa is currently developing ADCC enhanced monoclonal antibody-based therapeutics to fight cancer and other life-threatening and debilitating diseases and both BioWa and Kyowa have Potelligent™ antibody products in various clinical stages. BioWa creates and develops enhanced ADCC antibodies for itself and others, offering a full range of antibody discovery and development capabilities. For more information about BioWa visit its web site at http://www.biowa.com .

About Biogen Idec:

Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology and immunology. As a global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of novel therapies, Biogen Idec transforms scientific discoveries into advances in human healthcare. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit http://www.biogenidec.com .

Contact:

BioWa, Inc.    

Nobuo Hanai, Ph.D.    

President and CEO    

Phone: 609-580-7501    

Fumio Okada    

Director, Public Relations    

Phone: 609-580-7502    

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