XOMA(XOMA): In light of Cubist Pharmaceuticals’ decision to cease investment in its HepeX-B(TM) product because of stringent FDA requirements for regulatory approval, XOMA has placed its production process development work for Cubist on hold and has issued a notice of contract termination to Cubist. Cubist and XOMA have begun discussions to consider other development options for HepeX-B.

XOMA and Cubist had signed an agreement in September 2005 under which terms XOMA uses its antibody development and manufacturing capabilities to develop new processes to manufacture HepeX-B - a combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies that target the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The product, has been granted Orphan Drug Status in both the U.S. and the European Union and has been under evaluation for the prevention of HBV re-infection in liver transplant patients.

On the bright side, Xoma will collect royalty payments on the sales of Genentech’s Newly approved drug Lucentis for macular degeneration.

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