Predix Pharmaceuticals, which recently announced a definitive agreement to merge with EPIX, announces that it has entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing agreement with Amgen (AMGN) for the development of novel, orally available S1P1 modulators for the treatment of multiple autoimmune diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Predix and AMGN will collaborate on the development of existing Predix preclinical compounds and new S1P1 modulators. AMGN will be responsible for clinical development and commercialization of the product candidate. Predix will receive an upfront payment of $20 mln. Additionally, if certain clinical, regulatory and sales milestones are achieved, Predix can earn up to an additional $287.5 mln in milestone payments


XOMA Limited awarded new $16 mln BioDefense contract with NIAID Co announces it has been awarded an exclusive $16 million contract from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a part of the National Institutes of Health, to produce monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of botulism to protect U.S. citizens against the harmful effects of botulinum neurotoxins used in bioterrorism. Under the new three-year contract, XOMA will create and produce an innovative injectable product comprised of three anti-type A-botulinum neurotoxin monoclonal antibodies to support entry into Phase I safety human clinical trials.