ImmunoGen, Inc., a company involved in the field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, entered into a multi-target license and option agreement to research first-in-class ADCs with ImmunoBiochem Corp., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery of unique tumor targets and development of novel biologics. The collaboration will combine ImmunoGen’s linker-payload technology with ImmunoBiochem’s antibodies directed against specific targets.

ImmunoBiochem will receive an upfront payment in exchange for providing ImmunoGen with an exclusive license to existing antibodies directed against a specific undisclosed target. ImmunoBiochem will be eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties based on development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. ImmunoGen will collaborate with ImmunoBiochem on preclinical activities and assume responsibility for the program’s future clinical development and commercialization activities.

ImmunoGen will also have the option to select additional targets and antibodies to license based on certain preclinical work undertaken by ImmunoBiochem. If ImmunoGen chooses to exercise this option, ImmunoBiochem will receive an option exercise payment and ImmunoGen will assume responsibility for all subsequent R&D associated with that program.

“We are excited to partner with ImmunoBiochem, which brings a novel approach to tumor targeting for ADCs,” said Eric Westin, ImmunoGen’s vice president of clinical development and translational sciences. “This agreement reflects our commitment to leverage our rich IP portfolio through strategic partnering in order to further reinvigorate our research and development in support of our pipeline.”

“ImmunoBiochem is extremely pleased that ImmunoGen, one of the world’s leading ADC companies, will help catalyze the unique science and assets that we have been developing to engender novel strategies to tackle difficult solid tumors, particularly for patients that lack common tumor targets,” said Anton Neschadim, CEO of ImmunoBiochem. “This partnership validates our differentiated thinking and will enable ImmunoBiochem to significantly expand its discovery platform and innovative pipeline.”