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08 October 2007
The underlying target molecule FGFR5 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 5), a cell surface protein expressed by stromal cells of the hemopoietic system, was originally identified by Genesis from its proprietary EST databases. Genesis has carried out extensive studies to characterize the molecule’s interactions with different cell types and tissues, suggesting that it is a therapeutic target for diseases such as osteoporosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. With the signing of this agreement, Genesis will continue to extend its strong patent position around this molecule using the HuCAL antibodies and will further validate its approach through in vitro and in vivo studies as a necessary prelude to a clinical development program. “The collaboration with Genesis provides us with access to an innovative and scientifically attractive target molecule which may lead to lucrative future commercial opportunities for MorphoSys,” commented Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG. “At the same time, it is a further example of the synergies arising between our two business segments, as satisfied AbD Serotec customers decide to partner with MorphoSys for the development of their therapeutic or diagnostic projects.” “AbD Serotec have provided excellent technical advice and service”, said Stephen Hall, Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Research. “We value the opportunity to work with MorphoSys Group to develop our therapeutic monoclonal antibodies which have great potential to help treat several diseases where there are limited treatments.” About MorphoSys: MorphoSys is a publicly traded biotechnology company focused on the generation of fully human antibodies as a means to discover and develop innovative antibody-based drugs against life-threatening diseases. MorphoSys’s goal is to establish HuCAL as the technology of choice for antibody generation in research, diagnostics and therapeutic applications. The Company currently has therapeutic and research alliances with the majority of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies including Bayer-Schering, Boehringer Ingelheim, Centocor/Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer and Roche. Within these partnerships, more than 40 therapeutic antibody programs are ongoing in which MorphoSys participates through exclusive license and milestones payments as well as royalties on any end products. Additionally, MorphoSys is active in the antibody research market through its AbD Serotec business unit. The business unit has operations in Germany (Munich), the U.S. (Raleigh, NC) and U.K. (Oxford). For further information please visit http://www.morphosys.com/ HuCAL® and HuCAL GOLD® are registered trademarks of MorphoSys AG This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company's assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned. For more information, please contact: Dave Lemus Chief Financial Officer Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-439 Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-5439 investors@morphosys.com Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Löser Head of Corporate Communications Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-122 Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-5122 gutjahr-loeser@morphosys.com Mario Brkulj Manager Public Relations Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-454 Fax: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-5454 brkulj@morphosys.com Genesis Research & Development Stephen Hall Chief Executive Tel: +64 21 715 725 s.hall@genesis.co.nz Dr. Greg Murison Chief Scientific Officer Tel: +64 21 227 7484 |