abbvie_0

Abbvie acquires immune-oncology target from argenx

pharmafile | April 21, 2016 | News story | Research and Development, Sales and Marketing AbbVie, Protein, argenx, garp, immuno-oncology, immunosuppresive 

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) has announced the acquisition of a new preclinical-stage human antibody program evaluating the novel immune-oncology target GARP, a protein believed to contribute to immunosuppressive effects of T-cells.

AbbVie has paid an upfront payment of $40 million to argenx, the discoverers of ARGX-115, to assume responsibility for further clinical development and commercialisation. Subject to overcoming clinical trial, regulatory and commercialisation hurdles, argenx is eligible to receive up to $625 million. Agrenx also retains the right to co-promote ARGX-115-based products in the EU and Switzerland, and combine the product with its own future immune-oncology products.

Tim van Hauwermeiren, chief executive at argenx, says: “We believe ARGX-115 has the potential to advance immune-oncology by selectively targeting tumour immune escape pathways… In addition to the attractive financial elements of this transaction, our shared interest in the commercial potential of ARGX-115, including the right to co-promote the drug in Europe, makes this a highly strategic collaboration for argenx.”

Anil Singhai, VP of early oncology development at AbbVie, comments: “The ability to modulate the body’s own immune system to fight cancer is one of the most promising scientific advancements over the past decade. We believe that the ARGX-115 program is a unique opportunity to explore the potential to block certain immune-suppressive pathways that allow cancers to grow.”

Sean Murray

Related Content

Aldeyra Therapeutics and AbbVie enter agreement for development and commercialisation of reproxalap

Aldeyra Therapeutics and AbbVie have announced that they have entered into an exclusive option agreement …

headache

AbbVie’s Aquipta receives MHRA marketing authorisation

AbbVie has announced that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has granted a …

pills-384846_960_720

AbbVie announces first patient dosed in phase 3 trial of upadacitinib in hidradenitis suppurativa

AbbVie has announced that the first patient has been dosed in its phase 3 Step-Up …

Latest content