Bayhill Therapeutics teams up with Genentech to develop new approach to treat Type 1 diabetes

SAN MATEO, Calif. Bayhill Therapeutics announced its exclusive worldwide license agreement for the development and potential commercialization of BHT-3021 with Genentech.

BHT-3021 is Bayhill’s DNA-based antigen immunotherapy currently in a phase one/ two clinical trial with Type 2 diabetic patients.

According to Mark W. Schwartz, PhD, CEO and president of Bayhill, “BHT-3021 represents a truly novel approach to treating Type 1 diabetes. We believe this collaboration with Genentech reflects the significant potential of our approach to antigen specific tolerance, and will allow us to accelerate and expand the development of BHT-3021, while continuing to develop additional products from our BHT-DNA platform.”

Under the recent agreement, Bayhill will complete the continuing phase one/ two clinical trial, while Genentech will be responsible for future research, development, manufacturing and commercialization efforts.

“The ultimate goal for treatment of autoimmune disease is antigen specific therapy,” said Lawrence Steinman M.D., founder, director and chairman of Bayhill’s scientific advisory board.