Simponi is a new, human anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody that was generated by Medarex’s UltiMAb technology that targets and neutralizes both the soluble and membrane-bound forms of TNF-alpha. Regulatory applications seeking marketing authorization for Simponi have also been filed in the US and Europe.
Under the agreement with Centocor Ortho Biotech, Medarex will receive future sales-based royalty payments from the commercial sales of Simponi.
Howard Pien, chairman and CEO of Medarex, said: “Simponi is the second antibody generated from our UltiMAb technology to receive regulatory approval, further demonstrating the potential of our antibody technology platform for generating therapeutics addressing underserved medical needs.”