Glycoform Ltd. aims to leverage the pioneering glyco-chemistry research of its Oxford University founders to develop targeted drug delivery systems and to improve the safety and efficacy of protein therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies, by taking advantage of the way specific oligosaccharides, or sugar motifs, can affect the properties of the proteins they decorate.

The fight between Abbott Laboratories and Cambridge Antibody Technology over two partly overlapping royalty-giveback clauses in their contract on Humira has implications far beyond the money--which itself is not inconsiderable. Abbott could theoretically save itself some $60 million in royalty fees, but it could also win itself a name for playing hardball with its partners, even in the event of a major drug development success.

Cambridge Antibody's royalty dispute with partner Abbott over potential blockbuster Humira sends a sobering message to biotechs: beware poorly-constructed royalty offset clauses. The argument won't help Abbott's partnering image, either.