Amunix Operating Inc., a company specializing in technology for protein half-life extension, reports that Eli Lilly and Company has exercised its option to an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize an XTEN product. XTEN is a proprietary recombinant polypeptide that extends the in vivo half-life of therapeutics payloads. XTEN consists of naturally occurring hydrophilic amino acids and is biodegradable. Pharmaceuticals such as proteins, peptides, and synthetic compounds can be XTENylated via chemical conjugation or genetic fusion.

Amunix and Lilly had entered into a multiproduct research collaboration in 2010 to develop new therapeutics targeting diabetes. Under the agreement, Amunix will receive an exercised option fee and be eligible to receive additional undisclosed regulatory milestone payments, plus royalties on worldwide commercial sales of the Lilly XTEN product in development. Further financial terms were not disclosed.

Source: Amunix