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news.Ireland-based Jazz Pharmaceuticals has partnered with ImmunoGen to develop and commercialize the US biotechnology company’s two early-stage, hematology-related antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) products.
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The ADC programs covered in the deal are IMGN779 and IMGN632 with an additional program also expected to be designated during the agreement term.
While IMGN779 is a CD33-targeted ADC developed for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment, IMGN632 is a CD123-targeted ADC to treat hematological malignancies. IMGN779 is currently undergoing a phase 1 trial while IMGN632 is slated to enter into clinical trial stage before the end of 2017.
ImmunoGen president and CEO Mark Enyedy said: “Jazz has demonstrated the ability to bring innovative compounds to patients and will make an ideal partner to help develop and commercialize our novel ADC assets targeting AML, and more broadly, in the area of hematology/oncology.
“In addition, this partnership significantly strengthens our financial position and moves us closer to delivering upon our mission of bringing ADC therapies to patients.”
Jazz, which is hoping to bolster its hematology/oncology portfolio through the agreement, will pay an upfront payment of $75m to ImmunoGen.
The American biotechnology company would also be eligible to a payment of up to $100m from Jazz for research support, a co-commercialization option, and potential opt-in fees, milestones and royalties in the future.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals chairman and CEO Bruce Cozadd said: “This investment supports our long-term commitment to expand our hematology/oncology portfolio with the potential addition of multiple innovative antibody drug conjugates.
“We look forward to the advancement of these ADC programs and the potential synergy of these compounds with our current products and pipeline, as new therapeutic options for cancer patients are urgently needed.”
As per the agreement, ImmunoGen will handle the development of the three ADC programs before any potential opt-in by Jazz. After any opt-in, Jazz would hold responsibility for any further development along with potential regulatory submissions and commercialization.