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Raven's Discovery Platform
in Cancer Stem Cell Biology Enhances MacroGenics' Oncology Capabilities
and Complements Proprietary Antibody Technology Platforms
Rockville, Maryland. July 17, 2008.
MacroGenics, Inc, a privately held biotechnology company that develops
immunotherapeutics to treat autoimmune disorders, cancer and infectious
diseases, today announced the acquisition of Raven Biotechnologies, Inc.,
a privately held biotechnology company in South San Francisco, California,
focused on the discovery and development of monoclonal antibody therapeutics
for oncology through its cancer stem cell program.
Raven has developed a portfolio of proprietary cancer stem cells from
many types of primary tumors. These cancer stem cells are maintained in
vitro, and small numbers of these cells can form both localized and metastatic
tumors in vivo. Using its proprietary technology platform, Raven has generated
more than 1,300 monoclonal antibodies, including many that target cancer
stem cells and cancers of the lung, colon, pancreas, prostate, breast
and ovary.
"Raven's discovery platform in cancer stem cell biology is highly
complementary to MacroGenics' proprietary Fc-optimization and next-generation
antibody platforms," said Scott Koenig, M.D., Ph.D., President and
CEO of MacroGenics. "We believe that this acquisition provides MacroGenics
with critical mass in oncology discovery, which is one of the most scientifically
and commercially promising areas of drug development. With our internal
capabilities in development and manufacturing, this transaction should
result in the rapid production of new lead therapeutic candidates and
increase the probability of clinical and commercial success. Moreover,
with the wealth of these assets, we will expand our pursuit of collaborations
and other strategic alliances with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies."
"We are pleased that Raven's cancer stem cell antibody program will
be pursued by MacroGenics, a company with the resources and capabilities
to accelerate the advancement of these projects into clinical development,"
stated George Schreiner, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Raven
Biotechnologies. "MacroGenics' portfolio of novel therapeutic monoclonal
antibodies, platform technologies and capabilities such as GMP manufacturing
make this merger an excellent opportunity for Raven and its investors.
The transaction significantly expands MacroGenics' opportunity to develop
products for patients with various types of cancer."
MacroGenics will issue shares of its stock to purchase Raven. Other terms
of the transaction were not disclosed. Montgomery & Co., LLC served
as the financial advisor to Raven. Arnold & Porter LLP served as legal
advisor to MacroGenics.
About MacroGenics, Inc.
Founded in 2000, MacroGenics is a private, fully-integrated biotechnology
company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland that focuses on the development,
manufacture and commercialization of immunotherapeutics for autoimmune
disorders, cancer and infectious diseases. In October 2007, MacroGenics,
Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) announced a global strategic
alliance to develop and commercialize teplizumab, a humanized anti-CD3
monoclonal antibody, as well as other potential next-generation anti-CD3
molecules for use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Teplizumab
is currently being studied in the PROTÉGÉ trial, a global
pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial for individuals with recent-onset
type 1 diabetes. MacroGenics' proprietary DART (Dual Affinity Re-Targeting)
and Fc-optimization technologies offer ways to improve the function of
antibodies and similar molecules. For more information about MacroGenics,
please visit www.macrogenics.com.
Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "expects," "believes,"
"intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected
in any forward-looking statement. Specifically, there are a number of
important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those anticipated, such as MacroGenics' ability to raise additional
capital and risks related to its ability to initiate, and enroll patients
in, planned clinical trials. You should not place undue reliance on any
forward-looking statements. MacroGenics assumes no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future
events or developments, except as required by law.
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