Philogen S.p.A., a biotechnology company developing antibody and small molecule targeted therapies, announced that it
has entered in to an option and license agreement with Pfizer Inc. to develop and commercialise multiple ‘empowered antibodies’.
Philogen brings to the partnership validated antibodies with precise specificity in certain diseases characterised by angiogenesis. ‘’We are very pleased to expand our existing relationship with Pfizer. This new initiative combines Philogen’s validated antibodies with Pfizer’s extensive chemistry and clinical capabilities, and aims to accelerate the potential development of novel Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) into the clinic.” commented Dr. Duccio Neri, Philogen’s CEO. ‘’The industry is seeing mounting interest in ADC technologies, and this agreement with Pfizer underlines
the significant potential of these compounds.”
‘’This agreement with Philogen reflects Pfizer’s commitment to partnerships that advance ADC technology in ways that have the potential to accelerate the delivery of innovative new medicines to cancer patients,” said Robert Abraham, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Oncology Research Unit, Pfizer.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pfizer has exclusive rights to pursue development of certain ADCs and guided nanoparticles. Pfizer will be responsible for research and development and potential commercialization of candidate molecules.
In January 2013, Philogen and Pfizer entered into an exclusive license agreement regarding the 'armed antibody' Dekavil, under which Pfizer is exploring the activity of Dekavil for autoimmune diseases.