ImmunoGen Enters License and Option Deal with Vertex to Use its ADC Technology for Targeted Conditioning Agents

Rare Daily Staff

Antibody-drug conjugates developer ImmunoGen entered a global, multi-target license and option agreement with Vertex Pharmaceuticals granting it rights to conduct research using its ADC technology to discover novel targeted conditioning agents for use with gene editing that may have fewer side effects.

Patients receiving exa-cel, Vertex and CRISPR Therapeutics’ sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia asset, currently undergo myeloablative busulfan conditioning, which has been linked to adverse events including idiopathic pneumonia syndrome in Vertex’s trials.

“We look forward to evaluating the potential of ImmunoGen’s technology to develop a gentler conditioning regimen for use with Vertex’s exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel), for the potential treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia,” said Mike Cooke, senior vice president of Vertex Cell and Genetic Therapies.

Following the research period for each target, Vertex will have the option to obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to research, develop, and commercialize conditioning agents employing ImmunoGen’s technology for that target. ImmunoGen will retain full rights to the ADC technology for all targets not covered by the Vertex license.

As part of the agreement, Vertex will pay ImmunoGen an upfront payment of $15 million. ImmunoGen is eligible to receive up to $337 million in option exercise fees and development and commercial milestone payments per target. ImmunoGen will be eligible to receive tiered royalties as a percentage of worldwide commercial sales of novel licensed targeted conditioning agents by Vertex. Vertex is responsible for all research, development, and commercialization and related costs.

“This agreement reflects our continued innovation in the ADC space and demonstrates the value of our technology platform and related intellectual property,” said Michael Vasconcelles, executive vice president of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs at Immunogen.

Photo: Michael Vasconcelles, executive vice president of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs at Immunogen