A new research collaboration, option and license agreement has been signed between Pfizer and BioRap Technologies, the technology transfer company of the Rappaport Institute for Biomedical Research at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology. The goal of the deal is to further develop a monoclonal antibody discovered by Prof. Nathan Karin and his team into potential new treatment options for a number of chronic autoimmune diseases. Pfizer has an exclusive option to obtain a license to the monoclonal antibody program. If the option is exercised, Pfizer will be responsible for further development and potential commercialization of any resulting product.