Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Collaborative Research with Pfizer to Develop Therapeutics for Infectious Disease Targets Including MRSA

PINE BROOK, N.J. -- Elusys Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology  company developing targeted anti-infective antibodies to fight life-threatening infections, announces that it has entered into an exclusive  collaborative research and license agreement with Pfizer Inc. to develop new  therapeutics for select infectious diseases using Elusys' HP Antibody technology.  The research collaboration will include  ETI-211, an HP Antibody for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)  infections, in addition to research into other indications. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Elusys and Pfizer will collaborate on  determining the full product profile of ETI-211 and perform research on other  indications of the HP Antibody technology.  Elusys will receive an upfront  equity investment, research and development funding plus near-term  research milestones.  Elusys has also granted Pfizer an option to acquire an  exclusive worldwide license to products developed under the agreement, and  upon exercise, the company will receive significant clinical and sales

milestones, as well as royalties on future sales of products resulting from the  collaboration.

HP Antibodies represent a unique approach to the treatment of a variety of  infectious diseases by enhancing the effectiveness of the body's natural  defense mechanisms to remove and destroy life-threatening pathogens.  An  HP Antibody drug consists of a monoclonal antibody specific to an immune  receptor (CR1) that is chemically linked to a second antibody that binds a  particular pathogen.  By targeting CR1, HP Antibodies enhance a natural  clearance mechanism and direct the rapid removal of pathogens into liver  macrophages, where they are destroyed and removed from the body.

Elizabeth Posillico, PhD, president and CEO of Elusys Therapeutics  commented, "We are delighted that Pfizer has recognized the potential value  of our HP Antibody technology as a novel approach for the treatment of life-threatening infections.  Pfizer's impressive scientific team and expertise in  infectious diseases provides Elusys with a strong partner to advance HP Antibody products into human clinical trials."  Posillico added, "In parallel with the collaborative research on ETI-211, Elusys will continue to advance its other internal clinical development programs.  These include Anthim, our Phase I therapeutic for anthrax infection and our HIV HP Antibody and CR1 Vaccine programs."

Source: Elusys Therapeutics Inc.