Sanofi and Seagen collaborate to develop novel antibody-drug conjugates
pharmafile | March 16, 2022 | News story | Research and Development |
Sanofi and Seagen announced an exclusive collaboration agreement to design, develop, and commercialise antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for up to three cancer targets.
The collaboration will use Sanofi’s proprietary monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology, along with Seagen’s proprietary ADC technology. ADCs are antibodies engineered to deliver potent anti-cancer drugs to tumour cells expressing a specific protein, and Sanofi currently has one ADC in development.
John Reed, MD, PhD, Global Head of Research and Development, Sanofi, commented: “This collaboration will enable the synergistic combination of molecules and platforms to produce candidate medicines with the potential of bringing renewed hope to cancer patients and their families. We look forward to joining forces with Seagen to collaboratively design and develop promising medicines by advancing antibody-drug conjugate science.”
Clay Siegall, PhD, President and CEO, Seagen, added: “We are excited to be working with Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical leader, to identify new ways to potentially address unmet medical needs of cancer patients. Jointly developing novel ADCs by combining antibodies from Sanofi with Seagen’s proprietary ADC technology, aligns with our strategic priorities to expand the global potential of our pipeline with new first- or best-in-class programmes.”
The collaboration will see Seagen and Sanofi co-funding global development activities and sharing equally in any future profits. Along with this, Sanofi will make an undisclosed payment to Seagen for each of the three targets as they are selected. The first target has already been designated.
Lina Adams
