JT reportedly also is exploring other ways to strengthen its U.S. development capabilities. One such means already has been identified. Under their five-year agreement, the South San Francisco, California firm will establish a wholly owned but independent subsidiary to do the research work. Costs associated with the development and the commercialization of any identified compounds will be shared equally by the two collaborators. The search for treatments for metabolic diseases is the third and most extensive arrangement be-tween JT and Tularik.
Work continues on diabetes and obesity and on orphan nuclear receptors.
The antibody will be developed for potential use in the treatment of cancer. PDL will direct the clinical development program, splitting the costs with the Japanese company. As part of the deal, the Osaka firm made an equity investment of undisclosed size in its partner. They will work together on cell therapy, or the use of living human cells to treat disease. Solid tumor cancer genes are off-limits, however.