German biotechnology company Morphosys AG (MOR.XE) said Bayer AG (BAYN.XE) unit Bayer Healthcare has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial with an antibody drug conjugate against cancer, using Morphosys's HuCAL technology.

MAIN FACTS:

-This achievement marks the second clinical milestone within MorphoSys's alliance with Bayer HealthCare.

-The program targets the molecule mesothelin, which is highly expressed on mesotheliomas and on ovarian and pancreatic tumors.

-"Based on the number of clinical candidates in development we believe HuCAL to be the most successful antibody library technology in the pharmaceutical industry," Morphosys chief scientific officer Marlies Sproll said.

-MorphoSys is an independent biotechnology company that develops novel antibodies for therapeutic, diagnostic and research applications.

-Morphosys's HuCAL technology is one of the most powerful methods available for generating fully human antibodies, the company said.

 
-Frankfurt Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 49-69-29725-500