Kirin and Human Genome Sciences Oncology Partnership for the Joint Development of Antibody Therapeutic

In December, 2002, Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. of Japan and Human Genome Sciences, Inc. entered into a license agreement for the joint development and commercialization of agonist human monoclonal antibodies to the TRAIL Receptor-2.  According to the license agreement, Kirin and Human Genome Sciences will collaborate on the identification and optimization of the best antibody candidate to move forward into clinical development.  Kirin will develop and commercialize any resulting antibody drug in Japan and Asia, including Australasia, while Human Genome Sciences will develop and commercialize any resulting antibody drug in North America, Europe and the rest of the world.Under the terms of the agreement, Kirin will pay milestone payments and royalties to Human Genome Sciences for any TRAIL-R2 monoclonal antibody product that is developed and marketed in Japan and Asia/Australasia, while Human Genome Sciences will pay royalties to Kirin for any product based on the Kirin TRAIL-R2 monoclonal antibody generated from Kirin’s novel TransChromo (TC) Mouse™ technology, including the KM Mouse™, that is developed and marketed in North America, Europe and the rest of the world.The TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor apoptosis-inducing ligand) Receptor-1 and TRAIL Receptor-2 proteins were discovered by Human Genome Sciences. TRAIL Receptor-2 human monoclonal antibody (TRAIL-R2 mAb) specifically recognizes the TRAIL Receptor-2 protein, found on the surface of a number of solid tumor and hematopoietic cancer cells. Binding of TRAIL-R2 mAb to TRAIL Receptor-2 triggers cell death. TRAIL-R2 mAb mimics the activity of native TRAIL and is therefore considered an agonistic antibody. Unlike native TRAIL, TRAIL-R2 mAb does not bind to the surface proteins DcR1 and DcR2 or the soluble receptor osteoprotegerin. TRAIL binds to these proteins, but such binding does not trigger cell death.The Pharmaceutical Division of Kirin applies its knowledge of biotechnology to the development of advanced pharmaceutical products in the field of renal diseases, cancer and hematological diseases, and immunological and allergy-related diseases.  For more information about the company and the TC Mouse™ technology, please visit our web sites at www.kirin.co.jp/english and www.TCMouse.com.Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based drugs to patients.  For additional information on Human Genome Sciences, please visit our web site at www.hgsi.com.TC Mouse™ and KM Mouse™ are trademarks, and ESPO® and GRAN® are registered trademarks of Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd.  HGS and Human Genome Sciences are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc.

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