On December 6, 2022 OREGA Biotech reported an exclusive license agreement under which OREGA Biotech grants Genmab full, worldwide rights to its first-in-class immuno-oncology antibody program against a novel and undisclosed target (Press release, OREGA BIOTECH, DEC 1, 2022, View Source [SID1234624745]). This license agreement results from a fruitful research collaboration between the two companies initiated in 2020.
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"We are thrilled to partner with Genmab, the renowned international biotechnology company", said Jeremy Bastid, Chief Executive Officer of OREGA Biotech. "Our team discovered the role of this novel target in impairing the response to the PD1/PDL1 immune checkpoint inhibitors and demonstrated that a neutralizing antibody could reverse this effect and improve the response to cancer immunotherapy. We have been working very closely with Genmab’s scientific team for more than 2 years and we are convinced that their scientific skills and development capabilities will be of paramount importance to further develop this asset", he added.
Gilles Alberici, President of OREGA Biotech, further commented: "This licensing agreement marks another major step forward for our company and team after the successful out-licensing of our CD39 antibody program which is now entering phase 2 clinical trial. Given the track record of Genmab in developing and delivering innovations to the patients, we believe that Genmab is very well positioned to bring this novel antibody program to the clinic", he added.
Genmab will be responsible for the research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of the antibody. The parties will aim to enter into an additional agreement for OREGA Biotech to support Genmab’s preclinical research activities related to this antibody.
"I would like to take the opportunity of this announcement to congratulate our scientists who did a fantastic work in advancing this antibody program and collaborating successfully with our Genmab’s colleagues despite the Covid-19 pandemic. I also would like to thank our partners from Inserm Transfert for their continued support during the licensing process", Jeremy Bastid concluded.
Financial Terms
OREGA Biotech will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments plus royalties on commercial sales. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.