AbCellera and Lilly Expand Partnership to Develop Therapeutic Antibodies

 Today, AbCellera announced that it has increased the scope of its current partnership with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) to find therapeutic antibodies for immunology, neurology, and cardiovascular disease projects. The extension extends the productive research partnership that was started in March 2020 and included an exclusive license to AbCellera's COVID-19 antibody program in addition to eight de novo studies for targets chosen by Lilly.

Under the terms of the original agreement, AbCellera has progressed all eight studies, and the licensed program led to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorising the emergency use of two COVID-19 antibody treatments that the firms co-developed.

Carl Hansen, Ph.D., founder and CEO of AbCellera, said, "Lilly has been a terrific partner and is one of the most admired and innovative pharmaceutical companies in the world." "We are eager to strengthen our collaboration and possibly have a greater influence on patients in a variety of therapeutic domains."

Lilly is granted the authority to create and market therapeutic antibodies that are the outcome of the partnership under the terms of the extended agreement. AbCellera has received an upfront payment, will receive research funds, and is entitled to collect downstream milestone payments and royalties on net product sales.