Amsterdam, the Netherlands – 21 April 2016 – AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company, and LSP’s portfolio company argenx (Euronext Brussels: ARGX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating and developing differentiated therapeutic antibodies to treat cancer and severe autoimmune diseases, will collaborate to develop and commercialize ARGX-115. ARGX-115 is argenx' preclinical-stage human antibody program targeting the novel immuno-oncology target GARP, a protein believed to contribute to immunosuppressive effects of T-cells.
Under the terms of the agreement, argenx will conduct research and development through IND-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. 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. argenx is also eligible to receive additional development, regulatory and commercial payments up to USD 625 million upon achievement of pre-determined milestones as well as tiered, up to double-digit royalties on net sales upon commercialization. argenx has the right to co-promote ARGX-115-based products in the European Union and Swiss Economic Area and combine the product with its own future immuno-oncology programs. Should AbbVie not exercise its option to license ARGX-115, argenx retains the right to pursue development of ARGX-115 alone.
In addition to the ARGX-115 program, and upon reaching a predetermined preclinical stage milestone, AbbVie will fund further GARP-related research by argenx for an initial period of two years. AbbVie will have the right to license additional therapeutic programs emerging from this research, for which argenx could receive associated milestone and royalty payments.
A version of the company’s press release can be found here.
About LSP
LSP (Life Sciences Partners) is a leading independent European investment firm, providing financing for private and public life-science companies. Since the late 1980s, LSP’s management has invested in a large number of highly innovative enterprises, many of which have grown to become leaders of the global life-science industry. With over EUR 1 billion of investment capital raised to date and offices in Amsterdam, Munich and Boston, LSP is one of Europe’s largest and most experienced specialist life-science investors. For more information, please visit www.lspvc.com.