New therapy for neurodegenerative diseases

MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medical Center and MRC Technology, a UK medical research charity, have signed an exclusive license agreements for the development of a novel therapy of neurodegenerative diseases based on antibody targeting amyloid beta peptides 4-x. The aim is to develop a therapy for Alzheimer's Disease (AD).

The licence negotiated by MBM ScienceBridge GmbH, the technology transfer organization of the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, will enable UMG to access the world-class antibody humanization expertise of MRCT’s Centre for Therapeutics Discovery and the work of its Therapeutic Antibody Group, led by Dr David Matthews and gives MRCT the opportunity to use its renowned capability to take lab tool compounds and turn them into clinical candidates, which will then be licensed to the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.

MRCT receives an exclusive worldwide license to the IP rights of UMG related to a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of sporadic and familial AD, based on a panel of unique antibodies developed by its scientist Prof. Dr. Thomas Bayer. MRCT and UMG will then receive downstream payments dependent on the successful development and out-licensing of the antibody. This income will be used for further research within the organisations.

Notes to Editors

Media Contacts:
MBM ScienceBridge GmbH
E-mail: cg@sciencebridge.de, Phone: +49-551-30724150
Website: www.sciencebridge.de

MRC Technology
Liezel Tipper PR & Communications Manager, MRC Technology
E-mail: liezel.tipper@tech.mrc.ac.uk, Phone: +44(0) 20 7391 2772

About Alzheimer's Disease
The occurence of Alzheimer's Disease is estimated at 5% of people between 65 to 75 years of age, and at 24% of persons over the age of 85 years. It is the most frequendt type of dementia in elderly people. The prevalence of alzheimer's Disease is estimated at 2.2% among the populations of the seven major markets of USA, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Italy & Spain. The increasing aging population particularly in countries like China or Brazil, will dramatically increase the total number of patients. The lack of efficacious drugs implies high growth potential, shaping a competitive and dynamic therapeutic area. Revenues forecast these markets are of several US$ billions a year, having experienced formidable growth.

About MBM ScienceBridge GmbH
The MBM ScienceBridge GmbH is a fully owned subsidiary of the University of Göttingen and acts on its behalf as a technology transfer interface to companies around the world. The IP portfolio managed by MBM ScienceBridge covers innovation in the areas of Life Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Optics, Agriculture, Forestry and Medical Technologies.
Contact: www.sciencebridge.de, info@sciencebridge.de, +49-551-30724151.

About Georg-August-University Göttingen
The Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Universitätsmedizin, Germany, was founded in 1737 in the spirit of the Enlightenment, which laid and continues to laythe foundation – both in the natural sciences and in the humanities – for the present day University's excellent reputation.

About MRC Technology
MRCT (www.mrctechnology.org) is an independent life science medical research charity, offering professional services to organisations within the academic, charity, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors globally. Services include IP management and research and development for diagnostics, small molecules and therapeutic antibodies. MRC Technology bridges the gap between basic medical research and commercialisation, helping early discoveries progress to clinical application. Four of MRC Technology’s projects have led to approved drugs (Tysabri®, Actemra®, Entyvio®, Keytruda®) and the company has a strong pipeline in development.