AbbVie’s $3.9 billion oncology collaboration with Genmab

Pharma News: AbbVie and Genmab entered a collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialise three of Genmab’s early-stage antibody product candidates and future differentiated antibody therapeutics for cancer.

The companies will partner to develop Genmab’s next-generation bispecific antibody programs, epcoritamab (DuoBody-CD3xCD20), DuoHexaBody-CD37 and DuoBody-CD3x5T4. The collaboration combines Genmab’s world-class discovery and development engine and next-generation bispecific antibody therapeutic candidates with AbbVie’s deep clinical expertise, innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) platform and global commercial leadership in haematological cancers.

Genmab already has a proven history of successful collaborations with pharma companies that have generated marketed products, including Novartis’ Arzerra (ofatumumab) for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia which is also in late-stage development as a multiple sclerosis therapy, and Johnson & Johnson multiple myeloma therapy Darzalex (daratumumab), a multi-billion dollar product in intravenous form and new subcutaneous formulation.

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“This transformative collaboration will allow us to accelerate, broaden and maximise the development of some of our promising early-stage bispecific antibodies, including epcoritamab, with the ultimate goal of bringing these potential therapies much faster to cancer patients,” said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “The announcement marks the beginning of a new journey for Genmab that combines our world-class knowledge in antibody biology and deep expertise in truly innovative next-generation antibody technology platforms, with AbbVie’s R&D prowess and their leadership position in haematological cancers.”

“Epcoritamab is a strong fit for our robust haematological oncology franchise,” said Michael Severino, M.D., Vice Chairman and President, AbbVie. “By combining the strengths of our two organisations, we can advance the treatment landscape for patients battling cancer.”

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