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Jazz Pharmaceuticals, ImmunoGen to collaborate on antibody-drug conjugate development
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Jazz Pharmaceuticals and ImmunoGen entered into a strategic collaboration and option agreement to develop and commercialize two antibody-drug conjugates.
ImmunoGen will grant Jazz Pharmaceuticals exclusive, worldwide rights to opt into the development and commercialization of two early-stage, hematology-related antibody-drug conjugate programs, and an additional program to be designated during the term of the agreement according to an ImmunoGen-issued press release.
The programs include IMGN779 (ImmunoGen), a CD33-targeted antibody-drug conjugate that is undergoing phase 1 testing for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, and IMGN632 (ImmunoGen), a CD123-targeted antibody-drug conjugate in development for hematologic malignancies that is expected to enter testing later this year.
“This strategic partnership with Jazz significantly advances our goal of accelerating the development of our early-stage novel antibody-drug conjugate assets,” Mark Enyedy, president and CEO of ImmunoGen, said in a press release. “This deal joins us with a global partner, provides us with substantial funding to support these programs, and preserves the right to co-commercialize one of these assets.”
“Jazz has demonstrated the ability to bring innovative compounds to patients and will make an ideal partner to help develop and commercialize our novel antibody-drug conjugate assets targeting AML and, more broadly, in the area of hematology/oncology,” Enyedy added. “In addition, this partnership significantly strengthens our financial position and moves us closer to delivering upon our mission of bringing antibody-drug conjugate therapies to patients.”
Under the terms of the agreement, ImmunoGen will be responsible for the development of the three programs prior to any potential opt-in by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.
Following any opt-in, Jazz Pharmaceutical will be responsible for any further development, as well as for potential regulatory submissions and commercialization.
“We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with ImmunoGen, a well-known leader in the field of antibody-drug conjugate technology, with demonstrated success in creating antibody-drug conjugate molecules, including the only FDA-approved antibody-drug conjugate product to treat metastatic breast cancer,” Bruce Cozadd, chairman and CEO of Jazz Pharmaceuticals, said in the release.
“This investment supports our long-term commitment to expand our hematology/oncology portfolio with the potential addition of multiple innovative antibody drug-conjugates,” Cozadd added. “We look forward to the advancement of these antibody-drug conjugate programs and the potential synergy of these compounds with our current products and pipeline, as new therapeutic options for cancer patients are urgently needed.”