Ablynx has extended the research collaboration that forms part of its licence agreement for anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) nanobody with Pfizer for another year.

The partners initially entered into a collaboration in November 2006 worth $212.5m in past and future milestone payments for the commercialisation of several indications.

Pfizer has rights to develop and commercialise TNF-alpha nanobodies to treat inflammation associated disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, while Ablynx is eligible to receive royalties.

The lead nanobody drug candidate is currently in Phase II trials for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.