As reported in Fierce Biotech and Xconomy, Seattle Genetics and GenMab announced a new antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research collaboration agreement. The deal allows the companies to combine Seattle Genetics ADC teechnology with GenMab's HuMax-TF antibody targeting the tissue factor antigen. The technology will have applications to several solid tumor diseases.
GenMab plans to use the deal to advance its two lead candidates, ofatumumab and zalutumumab. GenMab is responsible for research, manufacturing, preclinical development and phase I trials. Seattle Genetics receives research support payments, an undisclosed upfront payment and has an option to opt into the projects after phase I is complete.
Seattle Genetics CEO Eric Dobmeier states "The collaboration leverages the value of our ADC technology to provide us with a strategic option to supplement our product pipeline based on Phase I clinical data." He noted that Seattle Genetics has now raised more than $130 M from its ADC technology and has 3 active collaborations.
ADCs are monoclonal antibodies that deliver potent anti-cancer agents to tumor cells. Seattle Genetics uses potent toxins called auristatins and stable linker technology attaching the toxin to antibodies. The linkers are stable in circulation and only release their payload within targetted tumor cells.
Posted by Bruce Lehr September 14th 2010.
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