FRANKFURT (Dow Jones)-German biotechnology company MorphoSys AG (MOR.XE) said Thursday it swung to an after-tax loss in the first half, narrower than expected by analysts, and confirmed 2012 guidance. MAIN FACTS: -MorphoSys AG reported an after-tax loss of 1 million euros ($1.23 million) in the first half of 2012, from profit of EUR15.0 million in the same period in 2011. -The difference results mainly from a one-time payment from Novartis AG (NVS) for the installation of MophoSys's HuCAL antibody platform in the first half of 2011. -Analysts had expected a EUR1.2 million loss for the first six months of 2012. -Group revenue was EUR33.0 million in the first half of the year, down 51% from the year-earlier period. -The loss per share in the first six months of 2012 was EUR0.04, down from earnings of EUR0.65 per share a year earlier. -The biotechnology company confirmed its full-year guidance of EUR75 million-EUR80 million in revenue and EBIT of EUR1million-EUR5 million. -In June the company expanded a clinical trial in collaboration with Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX), which is evaluating the antibody gantenerumab to treat Alzheimer's disease. -"The progress with the HuCAL antibody gantenerumab for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is clearly a major event", chief executive Dr. Simon Moroney said. -Frankfurt Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 49-69-29725-500 Order free Annual Report for Novartis AG Visit http://djnweurope.ar.wilink.com/?ticker=CH0012005267 or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 Order free Annual Report for MorphoSys AG Visit http://djnweurope.ar.wilink.com/?ticker=DE0006632003 or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 Order free Annual Report for MorphoSys AG Visit http://djnweurope.ar.wilink.com/?ticker=US6177601035 or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 Order free Annual Report for Novartis AG Visit http://djnweurope.ar.wilink.com/?ticker=US66987V1098 or call +44 (0)208 391 6028 Subscribe to WSJ: http://online.wsj.com?mod=djnwires
