Theraclone Sciences, a therapeutic antibody discovery and development company, has entered into an agreement with Gilead Sciences, under which Gilead received an exclusive license to develop and commercialize products incorporating Theraclone's broadly neutralizing HIV-antibodies for therapeutic applications in HIV.

These broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) were discovered in collaboration with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Scripps Research Institute using Theraclone's proprietary I-STAR technology. The I-STAR technology allows for the rapid testing of tens of thousands of fully human antibodies to find those with exceptional biological functions and activities.

"Through our innovative I-STAR technology, we are able to uncover unique antibodies that have the capacity to neutralize viruses, such as HIV, that are known to mutate and evade current therapies," said Clifford J. Stocks, CEO of Theraclone.

Theraclone received an upfront payment and is eligible to receive additional payments based upon achievement of certain development and commercialization milestones.