Cimab, Chinese firm sign biotech deal.

Cuban biotech company Cimab S.A. has signed two licensing agreements with China's Biotech Pharmaceutical Ltd. (BPL) for the joint development, production and marketing of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and lymphomas.

The entities have also agreed to work together on research, development, production and marketing of new humanized monoclonal antibodies specific for extra-cellular matrix molecules involved in metastases and angiogenesis malignant processes.

BPL is a joint venture between Beijing Jingyitaixiang Technology Development Co. Ltd., Shanxi Xinyutong Material Commerce Co. Ltd., China International Science Center.

Under the deal, CIMAB will receive royalties on resulting product sales, and BPL will finance product development, clinical trials, regulatory submissions and sales.

"With one of the agreements, we are opening a new path in research collaboration with our joint-venture company BPL in the field of specific passive immunotherapies for the treatment of patients with cancer," said Agustin Lage Davila, General Director of the Center of Molecular Immunology (CIM).

Founded in 1991, CIM is based in Havana and employs over 400 people, including 150 scientists. CIM research programs are focused on cancer therapeutics, autoimmune diseases and renal transplants.

CIMAB is CIM's commercial branch, marketing products developed by CIM scientists. Details: Normando Iznaga, Head of Business & Development, CIMAB S.A., Box 16040, La Habana 11600. Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. E-mail: [e-mail].