Massachusetts-based ImmunoGen and Toronto-based ImmunoBiochem have inked a multi-target license and option agreement to advance novel, first-in-class ADCs.
The collaboration will combine ImmunoGen’s proprietary linker and payload technologies with ImmunoBiochem’s antibodies directed against specific targets.
ImmunoBiochem has developed novel ADCs and immunostimulatory antibody-drug conjugates (ISACs) based on novel cancer secretome target biology with efficacy in intractable solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer and pancreatic cancer.
ImmunoGen holds the most recent FDA approval in the ADC space with Elahere, which was granted accelerated approval last November for FRα-positive ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. The drugmaker recently announced additional phase 3 data that supports its mission to make Elahere the new standard of care for patients with FRα-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Big ticket deals in the ADC space are on the rise, with the most notable being Pfizer's $43 billion acquisition of Seagen. On the collaboration front, Eisai and BlissBio recently announced a clinical trial collaboration agreement worth up to $2 billion. While the financial details of the ImmunoGen-ImmunoBiochem deal were not disclosed, ImmunoGen will pay ImmunoBiochem an upfront fee in exchange for an exclusive license to existing antibodies directed against a specific undisclosed target. ImmunoBiochem will be eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties.
