Gilead Sciences has been granted an exclusive license by Genmab, a Copenhagen, Denmark-based biotechnology company specializing in developing therapeutic anti-cancer antibodies, to use Genmab's DuoBody technology platform to develop bispecific antibody candidates targeting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Separately, Gilead has the option for a second exclusive license. Genmab will receive an upfront payment of $5 million from Gilead.

Genmab is entitled to potential development, regulatory, and sales milestones of up to $277 million for the first product and further milestones for subsequent products. In addition, Genmab will be entitled to single-digit royalties on Gilead’s sales of any commercialized products. Similar terms would apply if Gilead exercises the option to the second license. This commercial license agreement follows a research collaboration between Genmab and Gilead Sciences for the DuoBody technology signed in 2014.

The DuoBody technology platform is used for the discovery and development of bispecific antibodies, which are antibodies that combine specificities of two antibodies and simultaneously address different antigens or epitopes.

Source: Genmab