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
Genmab to submit FDA application for lymphoma therapy
Global biotechnology company Genmab plans to submit a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the …
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence announce technology appraisal guidance recommending risankizumab for adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recommended adult patients in England …
Abbvie acquires Cerevel Therapeutics
Abbvie has announced the acquisition of Cerevel Therapeutics, strengthening its neuroscience pipeline. Cerevel has multiple …
