By Jason Derry —

MedImmune, Inc. and Biowa,
Inc. have announced a licensing and collaboration deal relating to development and
commercialization of therapies for inflammatory diseases.  In particular, the agreement relates to
treatments that target interleukin-5 receptor.  The companies have indicated that the initial focus will be on a
monoclonal antibody, BIW-8405, which is in Phase I clinical trials with asthma
patients.  BIW-8405 is a humanized
monoclonal antibody that binds to the IL-5 receptor.  Biowa has developed the antibody using its
POTELLIGENT® technology.

Jason Derry, Ph.D., who graduated with honors from DePaul University
College of Law, is a molecular biologist and founding author of Patent Docs.