Investment management firm Deerfield has acquired Ablexis, a company that has developed AlivaMab Mouse technology, which is a transgenic mouse platform for human antibody drug discovery.

The acquisition is expected to help Ablexis increase industry access of AlivaMab Mouse technology.

The technology features a transgenic animal with immunoglobulin transgene function, antibody composition, and variable gene endowment designed to address the challenges of antibody drug discovery, as well as antibody drug development.

Both companies also agreed to establish AlivaMab Discovery Services, which will be responsible to provide antibody discovery services utilising the new platform.

Deerfield principal Cameron Wheeler said: "We are excited to partner with the Ablexis and AlivaMab Discovery Services teams, which are comprised of trusted leaders in building and using transgenic mice for discovery of therapeutic antibody candidates.

"The AlivaMab Mouse platform is validated for the rapid and efficient discovery of antibody drug candidates that meet target product profiles for activity, specificity and developability."

"We look forward to expanding access to the industry’s superior next-generation antibody drug discovery platform."

Ablexis aims to serve all bio-pharmaceutical companies, as well as other entities, including academic institutions with the AlivaMab Mouse technology and help in the development of therapeutic antibodies to provide new treatment options for patients.

Ablexis and AlivaMab discovery services CEO Larry Green said: "Ablexis is uniquely differentiated in the antibody drug discovery industry.

"The AlivaMab Mouse platform is validated for the rapid and efficient discovery of antibody drug candidates that meet target product profiles for activity, specificity and developability.

"A majority of the world’s top-15 pharmaceutical companies have licensed and are using AlivaMab Mouse at over a dozen sites."

The company will start offering licensing models, including annual renewable non-exclusive licences and individual target non-exclusive licences of the model.