July 26, 1997|By Mark Guidera | Mark Guidera,SUN STAFF
Human Genome Sciences Inc. of Rockville said yesterday that its licensing agreement with SmithKline Beechum PLC has been changed to make it easier for both to license marketing rights for medical diagnostic devices based on Human Genome's gene discoveries.
The revised agreement allows SmithKline to license to other companies medical diagnostic products it develops based on Human Genome's technology.
Human Genome said the new agreement also allows it to develop and market medical diagnostic tools, which would complement drug or other treatments it develops in the future.
Under the new agreement, the Rockville company also can license to other companies the rights to sell such diagnostic devices and the complementing treatment.
Melvin Booth, Human Genome's president, said the agreement was "streamlined" to make it easier for each company market medical products. "This gives us both a lot more flexibility," he said.
The revamped agreement is further evidence that the partners are looking more closely at how they can best leverage Human Genome's gene discoveries.
Last year, Human Genome and SmithKline opened their research database for drug and diagnostic device development to some of the world's top pharmaceutical companies, including U.S.-based Schering-Plough, Merck KGaA of Germany, and Synthelabo of France.
Under the collaboration, all of the parties benefit from royalty payments should one bring to market a new drug or medical device.
Pub Date: 7/26/97
