Genmab and ADC Therapeutics have partnered to co-develop a new antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) product conjugate to treat multiple cancer indications.
The collaboration will integrate Genmab's high-affinity fully human antibody targeting CD25, HuMax-TAC, with ADC's PBD-based warhead and linker technology for the devlopment of new product.
Genmab chief executive officer Jan van de Winkel said, "We believe our unique HuMax-TAC antibody has optimal characteristics for creation of an ultra-potent antibody-drug conjugate when used in combination with ADC Therapeutics' novel PBD-based warhead and linker technology, which employs an emerging class of highly potent anticancer agents."
The partnership will provide both the companies with an equal share in the product initially, while Genmab can opt to preserve equal ownership of the same prior to the submission of an IND application.
ADC will fund and lead the preclinical development and Genmab cannot acquire any development costs before submitting the IND application to conduct clinical studies in patients.
A minimum of 25% ownership stake will be maintained by Genmab, as the product advances into clinical development.
ADC Therapeutics chairman said Dr. Peter Corr said, "Our pre-clinical data for this product indicate the potential for curative efficacy in highly resistant populations at low ADC doses of this product in several oncology indications, an area with critical unmet needs."