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Horizon to exclusively out-license existing human diploid and haploid cell line collection for use in validating the function of Abcam antibodies

• Horizon to receive exclusivity payments totaling £660,000 (c$1,000,000) across an initial three year term with a further potential £1,275,000 (c$1,950,000) across years four to six if Abcam extends the exclusive period
• Horizon to develop additional haploid cell lines on demand under a preferred pricing arrangement
• Horizon to receive a royalty on the sale of Abcam antibodies marketed using validation data derived from Horizon cell lines

Horizon Discovery Group plc (LSE: HZD), the international life science company supplying research tools and services that power genomics research and the development of personalised medicines, and Abcam plc (AIM: ABC), a global leader in the supply of research antibodies, today announced the formation of a license and supply agreement between the two companies.

The agreement will initially see Abcam have exclusive access to over 1,800 human diploid and haploid cell line models from Horizon’s X-MAN^®collection, which will aid the functional validation of Abcam’s existing monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies marketed to the global research community. Horizon will also develop additional haploid cell lines to validate new antibodies introduced by Abcam.

The data generated by Abcam will also add value to Horizon’s cell line collection by providing independent evidence that the cell lines demonstrate the desired functional output of gene editing and providing time and cost savings for the company’s cell line manufacturing process. The new cell lines generated for Abcam will be available to customers across all of Horizon’s core products and services. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Horizon will receive exclusivity payments totaling £660,000 (c$1,000,000) across an initial three year term, with a further £1,275,000 (c$1,950,000) across years four to six if Abcam extends the exclusivity period. For any additional haploid cell lines developed, preferred pricing will be charged. In addition, Horizon will receive a royalty on the sale of Abcam antibodies marketed using validation data derived from Horizon cell lines for a period of 10 years from the first date of sale.

Beyond the initial term of the agreement there is scope to extend the collaboration to cover the complete human proteome (17,000+ targets), and the potential to co-develop novel functional genomics products and services with Abcam.

Dr. Paul Morrill, President, Products, Horizon Discovery Group, commented: “This agreement represents significant progress for Horizon in creating new and scalable channels to market for its cell line products.  Abcam’s choice of Horizon’s cell lines to support the development and quality control for their antibody catalog further validates the value that our cell lines can provide in a variety of applications. We believe that this agreement represents the first step in building a long term relationship with a true world-leader in the research antibody field.”

Alan Hirzel, CEO, Abcam, said: “We always strive to provide the highest quality product and relevant supporting data. Our decision to validate antibodies with these Horizon knockout cell lines means we can give researchers an enhanced level of confidence that they are using the highest specificity products.  We look forward to working with Horizon to bring the benefits of this innovation to serve life science research globally.” 

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