ABLYNX ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH CENTOCOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, INC

Ablynx, the pioneer in discovery and development of Nanobodies™, a novel class of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins, has signed a collaboration agreement with Centocor Research and Development, Inc.

Under the terms of the collaboration, the companies will perform joint research funded by Centocor. Applying the unique properties of Nanobodies™, the two companies will work jointly on novel approaches for administration and delivery of Nanobody™ based therapeutics. The financial terms of the collaboration are not disclosed.

Nanobodies™ are a novel class of therapeutic proteins that combine the beneficial features of conventional antibodies with desirable properties of small molecule drugs. Nanobodies™ have the affinity and selectivity of conventional antibodies yet are only a fraction of their size. Because of their unique structure and high stability, Nanobodies™ can address target opportunities that are beyond the reach of conventional antibodies.

Dr. Mark Vaeck, Chief Executive Officer of Ablynx said about the deal: "We are delighted to engage in this collaboration with Centocor who are a pioneer in the development of therapeutic antibodies. Through this partnership we create a unique opportunity for Ablynx, by combining our own know-how on the Nanobody™ platform with the world-class expertise of Centocor, who are considered as the benchmark in therapeutic antibody development.”