AbbVie signs $840m RA deal
pharmafile | September 25, 2013 | News story | Sales and Marketing | AbbVie, Ablynx, RA, alx
AbbVie has signed what could be an $840 million global licence agreement with a Belgian biotech company to get its hands on a mid-stage rheumatoid arthritis candidate.
Ghent-based Ablynx is to receive $175 million up front for its anti- IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) nanobody ALX-0061, and could be in line for up to $665 million on top of that in milestone payments, plus a cut of potential sales.
AbbVie has spotted promise in the drug following a Phase IIb study with ALX-0061 which finished in February and showed strong efficacy and safety data in patients with moderate-to-sever RA who had taken methotrexate.
The terms of the deal dictate that Ablynx will have to oversee Phase II development in RA – using some of the funds from AbbVie’s initial payment – and also in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Should that all go well, AbbVie will take control of ALX-0061 as it moves through Phase III, assuming responsibility for its subsequent clinical development and commercialisation.
This will build on its already strong arthritis portfolio that includes the world’s biggest selling drug Humira, which has licenses for RA as well as a host of other autoimmune deficiencies.
ALX-0061 targets the interleukin 6 pathway via its IL-6R, which plays a key role in the inflammation process in RA.
“Anti-IL-6 antibodies are a proven mechanism of action for autoimmune diseases and ALX-0061 has shown potential,” said Scott Brun, vice president, pharma development at AbbVie.
“We are looking forward to working with Ablynx to develop a potentially new and effective therapy for patients suffering from serious chronic conditions such as RA and SLE,” he added.
“AbbVie’s significant expertise in rheumatology aligns us with the ideal partner to further progress the development of ALX-0061 and to ensure we maximise the potential of this asset,” said Edwin Moses, chairman and chief executive of Ablynx.
Ablynx will have an option for co-promotion rights in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
AbbVie has been active in RA with another Belgian biotech company, Galapagos, moving its selective JAK1 inhibitor GLPG0634 into Phase IIb and bolting on a development programme for Crohn’s disease as well.
The US firm, the now separate pharmaceuticals unit of the once whole business Abbott, has had a busy week after also spending $405 million on a new cystic fibrosis deal, also with Galapagos.
Adam Hill
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