American Biogenetic Sciences Inc. on Monday said it has signedan exclusive 15-year agreement under which YamanouchiPharmaceutical Co. Ltd. will market test kits containing ABS'monoclonal antibody to fibrinogen.

The Japanese company will make initial payment of $1 million.The Notre Dame, Ind., company (NASDAQ:MABXA) also willretain all manufacturing rights and receive royalties on sale ofkits containing the antibody, 45-J, in Japan and Taiwan.

45-J, which is fibrinogen-specific, is intended for use in vitro toassess cardiovascular risk. The antibody will be marketed tothe diagnostic industry for inclusion in automated blood testsystems. Several population studies have shown that elevatedlevels of the blood protein fibrinogen can predict heart attacksand strokes.

ABS shares fell 75 cents to $12.25 on Monday.

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