Astra's calling in supermouse

ASTRAZENECA is teaming with a Californian biotech firm which uses genetically engineered mice to make antibodies that could eventually be the basis of blockbuster cancer drugs.

AZ is paying £60m for a small stake in Abgenix, taking it further into a new field of cancer research.

Abgenix has patented the 'Xenomouse' - a genetically altered mouse which has had its immune system changed so it produces human antibodies in response to disease.

The aim is to find up to 36 such antibodies - which are less likely to be rejected by humans - to form the basis of new treatments. Abgenix will do early stage testing and manufacturing - paid for by AZ - and will get royalties on product sales.

AZ, the world's second biggest maker of cancer drugs, will take any promising drugs through late-stage trials and launch them internationally if they work.

Strategy and licensing boss John Patterson says: 'If we see things on the market by 2010, we will have done well. Things will be in development within the next two years.' AZ rose 11p to 2711p.