Sanofi and Seagen signed an exclusive partnership agreement to discover, develop, and market antibody-drug conjugates targeting three cancer targets. Sanofi's patented monoclonal antibody technology and Seagen's proprietary ADC technology will be used. Sanofi presently has one ADC under development, an antibody designed to deliver strong anti-cancer medications to tumor cells expressing a particular protein.
“We are excited to be working with Sanofi, a global biopharmaceutical leader, to identify new ways to address unmet medical needs of cancer patients potentially. Jointly developing novel ADCs by combining antibodies from Sanofi with Seagen’s proprietary ADC technology aligns with our strategic priorities to expand the global potential of our pipeline with new first- or best-in-class programs.”
Clay Siegall, Ph.D., President, and Chief Executive Officer, Seagen
According to John Reed, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head of Research and Development, Sanofi, “This collaboration will enable the synergistic combination of molecules and platforms to produce candidate medicines to bring renewed hope to cancer patients and their families. We look forward to joining forces with Seagen to collaboratively design and develop promising medicines by advancing antibody-drug conjugate science.”
Seagen and Sanofi will co-fund worldwide development operations and split any future earnings equally under the terms of the agreement. In addition, once each of the three targets is chosen, Sanofi will provide an undisclosed payment to Seagen. The collaboration's first goal has already been established.