Biopharmaceutical Partnership Set to Advance Development of Therapeutic Antibodies
|
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 02 May 2016 |
|
The development of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases is expected to be hastened by a recently announce collaborative agreement.
The global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie (North Chicago, IL, USA) will be collaborating with the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company argenx (Zwijnaarde, Belgium), on a project to create and develop differentiated therapeutic antibodies to treat cancer and severe autoimmune diseases.
In particular, the partners will seek to develop and commercialize argenx' ARGX-115 human antibody program that targets GARP, (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant), a membrane protein believed to enhance the immunosuppressive effects of T-cells.
ARGX-115 was engineered through argenx’s SIMPLE Antibody platform, designed to source the variable or “V” regions of human antibodies from the immune system of outbred llamas, which have V regions that are identical to those of humans. Since every llama has a different genetic background, each can generate a unique, individual immune response intended to provide a wide array of antibody V regions against potentially any target of interest.
Under the terms of the agreement, argenx continue research and development work on ARGX-115 through IND (Investigational New Drug)-enabling studies. Upon successful completion of these studies, AbbVie may exercise an exclusive option to license the ARGX-115 program and assume responsibility for further clinical development and commercialization. To facilitate this portion of the agreement argenx will receive an upfront payment of USD 40 million from AbbVie for the exclusive option to license ARGX-115 and near-term preclinical milestones of USD 20 million. Additional development, regulatory, and commercial payments of up to USD 625 million will be paid to argenx upon achievement of pre-determined milestones as well as tiered, up to double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization. Should AbbVie not exercise its option to license ARGX-115, argenx retains the right to pursue development of ARGX-115 alone.
"We believe ARGX-115 has the potential to advance immuno-oncology by selectively targeting tumor immune escape pathways," said Tim van Hauwermeiren, CEO of argenx. "We are proud to develop and commercialize ARGX-115 through collaboration with AbbVie, a global leader in oncology. 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."
"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," said Anil Singhal, vice president for early oncology development at AbbVie. "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."
Related Links:
AbbVie
argenx
The global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie (North Chicago, IL, USA) will be collaborating with the clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company argenx (Zwijnaarde, Belgium), on a project to create and develop differentiated therapeutic antibodies to treat cancer and severe autoimmune diseases.
In particular, the partners will seek to develop and commercialize argenx' ARGX-115 human antibody program that targets GARP, (glycoprotein A repetitions predominant), a membrane protein believed to enhance the immunosuppressive effects of T-cells.
ARGX-115 was engineered through argenx’s SIMPLE Antibody platform, designed to source the variable or “V” regions of human antibodies from the immune system of outbred llamas, which have V regions that are identical to those of humans. Since every llama has a different genetic background, each can generate a unique, individual immune response intended to provide a wide array of antibody V regions against potentially any target of interest.
Under the terms of the agreement, argenx continue research and development work on ARGX-115 through IND (Investigational New Drug)-enabling studies. Upon successful completion of these studies, AbbVie may exercise an exclusive option to license the ARGX-115 program and assume responsibility for further clinical development and commercialization. To facilitate this portion of the agreement argenx will receive an upfront payment of USD 40 million from AbbVie for the exclusive option to license ARGX-115 and near-term preclinical milestones of USD 20 million. Additional development, regulatory, and commercial payments of up to USD 625 million will be paid to argenx upon achievement of pre-determined milestones as well as tiered, up to double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization. Should AbbVie not exercise its option to license ARGX-115, argenx retains the right to pursue development of ARGX-115 alone.
"We believe ARGX-115 has the potential to advance immuno-oncology by selectively targeting tumor immune escape pathways," said Tim van Hauwermeiren, CEO of argenx. "We are proud to develop and commercialize ARGX-115 through collaboration with AbbVie, a global leader in oncology. 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."
"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," said Anil Singhal, vice president for early oncology development at AbbVie. "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."
Related Links:
AbbVie
argenx
Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Plasma Control
Plasma Control Level 1
Latest BioResearch News
- Genome Analysis Predicts Likelihood of Neurodisability in Oxygen-Deprived Newborns
- Gene Panel Predicts Disease Progession for Patients with B-cell Lymphoma
- New Method Simplifies Preparation of Tumor Genomic DNA Libraries
- New Tool Developed for Diagnosis of Chronic HBV Infection
- Panel of Genetic Loci Accurately Predicts Risk of Developing Gout
- Disrupted TGFB Signaling Linked to Increased Cancer-Related Bacteria
- Gene Fusion Protein Proposed as Prostate Cancer Biomarker
- NIV Test to Diagnose and Monitor Vascular Complications in Diabetes
- Semen Exosome MicroRNA Proves Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
- Genetic Loci Link Plasma Lipid Levels to CVD Risk
- Newly Identified Gene Network Aids in Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Link Confirmed between Living in Poverty and Developing Diseases
- Genomic Study Identifies Kidney Disease Loci in Type I Diabetes Patients
- Liquid Biopsy More Effective for Analyzing Tumor Drug Resistance Mutations
- New Liquid Biopsy Assay Reveals Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Method Developed for Enriching Trophoblast Population in Samples
Channels
Clinical Chemistry
view channel
3D Printed Point-Of-Care Mass Spectrometer Outperforms State-Of-The-Art Models
Mass spectrometry is a precise technique for identifying the chemical components of a sample and has significant potential for monitoring chronic illness health states, such as measuring hormone levels... Read more.jpg "Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)")
POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection
Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more
Highly Reliable Cell-Based Assay Enables Accurate Diagnosis of Endocrine Diseases
The conventional methods for measuring free cortisol, the body's stress hormone, from blood or saliva are quite demanding and require sample processing. The most common method, therefore, involves collecting... Read more
Molecular Diagnostics
view channel
Blood Test Accurately Predicts Lung Cancer Risk and Reduces Need for Scans
Lung cancer is extremely hard to detect early due to the limitations of current screening technologies, which are costly, sometimes inaccurate, and less commonly endorsed by healthcare professionals compared... Read more
Unique Autoantibody Signature to Help Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis Years before Symptom Onset
Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are thought to occur partly due to unusual immune responses to common infections. Early MS symptoms, including dizziness, spasms, and fatigue, often... Read more
Blood Test Could Detect HPV-Associated Cancers 10 Years before Clinical Diagnosis
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is known to cause various cancers, including those of the genitals, anus, mouth, throat, and cervix. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+OPSCC) is the most common HPV-associated... Read more
Hematology
view channel
Next Generation Instrument Screens for Hemoglobin Disorders in Newborns
Hemoglobinopathies, the most widespread inherited conditions globally, affect about 7% of the population as carriers, with 2.7% of newborns being born with these conditions. The spectrum of clinical manifestations... Read more
First 4-in-1 Nucleic Acid Test for Arbovirus Screening to Reduce Risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Infections
Arboviruses represent an emerging global health threat, exacerbated by climate change and increased international travel that is facilitating their spread across new regions. Chikungunya, dengue, West... Read more
POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy
Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more
First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy
Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read moreImmunology
view channel
Diagnostic Blood Test for Cellular Rejection after Organ Transplant Could Replace Surgical Biopsies
Transplanted organs constantly face the risk of being rejected by the recipient's immune system which differentiates self from non-self using T cells and B cells. T cells are commonly associated with acute... Read more
AI Tool Precisely Matches Cancer Drugs to Patients Using Information from Each Tumor Cell
Current strategies for matching cancer patients with specific treatments often depend on bulk sequencing of tumor DNA and RNA, which provides an average profile from all cells within a tumor sample.... Read more
Genetic Testing Combined With Personalized Drug Screening On Tumor Samples to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment typically adheres to a standard of care—established, statistically validated regimens that are effective for the majority of patients. However, the disease’s inherent variability means... Read more
Microbiology
view channel
New CE-Marked Hepatitis Assays to Help Diagnose Infections Earlier
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 354 million individuals globally are afflicted with chronic hepatitis B or C. These viruses are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis, liver... Read more
1 Hour, Direct-From-Blood Multiplex PCR Test Identifies 95% of Sepsis-Causing Pathogens
Sepsis contributes to one in every three hospital deaths in the US, and globally, septic shock carries a mortality rate of 30-40%. Diagnosing sepsis early is challenging due to its non-specific symptoms... Read more
.jpg "Image: Dr. Sam Lodge found that metabolic signatures can shift the speed of sepsis diagnosis (Photo courtesy of Murdoch University)")
Pathology
view channel
AI-Powered Digital Imaging System to Revolutionize Cancer Diagnosis
The process of biopsy is important for confirming the presence of cancer. In the conventional histopathology technique, tissue is excised, sliced, stained, mounted on slides, and examined under a microscope... Read more
New Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Panel to Support Real-Time Surveillance and Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
Tuberculosis (TB), the leading cause of death from an infectious disease globally, is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily spreads through the coughing of patients with active pulmonary TB.... Read more
Technology
view channel
New Diagnostic System Achieves PCR Testing Accuracy
While PCR tests are the gold standard of accuracy for virology testing, they come with limitations such as complexity, the need for skilled lab operators, and longer result times. They also require complex... Read more
DNA Biosensor Enables Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), recognized for its potential to form two-dimensional nanosheets like graphene, is a material that's increasingly catching the eye of the scientific community.... Read more
Self-Heating Microfluidic Devices Can Detect Diseases in Tiny Blood or Fluid Samples
Microfluidics, which are miniature devices that control the flow of liquids and facilitate chemical reactions, play a key role in disease detection from small samples of blood or other fluids.... Read more
Breakthrough in Diagnostic Technology Could Make On-The-Spot Testing Widely Accessible
Home testing gained significant importance during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the availability of rapid tests is limited, and most of them can only drive one liquid across the strip, leading to continued... Read moreIndustry
view channel
ECCMID Congress Name Changes to ESCMID Global
Over the last few years, the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID, Basel, Switzerland) has evolved remarkably. The society is now stronger and broader than ever before... Read more
Bosch and Randox Partner to Make Strategic Investment in Vivalytic Analysis Platform
Given the presence of so many diseases, determining whether a patient is presenting the symptoms of a simple cold, the flu, or something as severe as life-threatening meningitis is usually only possible... Read more
Siemens to Close Fast Track Diagnostics Business
Siemens Healthineers (Erlangen, Germany) has announced its intention to close its Fast Track Diagnostics unit, a small collection of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing products that is part of the... Read more