On November 6, 2019 Antengene Corporation reported that it has entered into a licensing agreement with AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/NYSE: AZN) under which Antengene has been granted the exclusive global rights to further develop and commercialize AZD0364 (Press release, Antengene, NOV 6, 2019, View Source [SID1234550689]). Antengene Corporation is a China-and-U.S. based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovery and development of novel drugs for treatment of oncology. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, innovative biopharmaceutical company. AZD0364 is a potent and selective small molecule extracellular signal–regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor with an open U.S. investigational new drug (IND) application.
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ERK is a key component of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK (RAS/MAPK) pathway, which is frequently altered in cancer and promotes tumour cell growth and survival. AZD0364 is a potent and selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 discovered by AstraZeneca. Any existing agreement regarding the licensing of AZD0364 has been nullified in advance of this agreement between Antengene and AstraZeneca.
Jay Mei, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Antengene Corporation commented, "We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with AstraZeneca. ERK/RAS/MAPK is a key pathway excessively activated in cancers. AZD0364 is a strategic fit to our pipeline and pre-clinical studies demonstrated promising synergistic effects of AZD0364 in combination with other pipeline assets of Antengene targeting critical pathways in cancer treatment. We look forward to a close collaboration with AstraZeneca to bring more novel therapies to patients with unmet medical needs."
Susan Galbraith, Senior Vice President and Head of Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca said: "This collaboration will leverage Antengene’s scientific expertise related to ERK biology and sophisticated development capabilities to further explore AZD0364’s potential benefits to meet unmet medical needs."