Cell Genesys Licenses Antibody Technology

Cell Genesys Inc.’s Abgenix unit said it has licensed technology for using mice to develop human antibodies to Pfizer Inc., an agreement that could bring it $30 million plus eventual royalties. The worldwide research collaboration and licensing agreement will give Pfizer access to Abgenix’s XenoMouse, a breed of mice that can produce human antibodies to fight diseases when given human genes, Abgenix said in a statement. Pfizer will use the mice to develop antibodies to fight three specific viruses or bacteria that cause disease; the companies declined to name them. Pfizer will handle the product development, manufacturing and marketing of any drugs produced from the collaboration. Fremont-based Cell Genesys shares rose 50 cents to close at $8.50 on Nasdaq. Shares of New York-based Pfizer fell $1 to close at $74.56 on the NYSE.