WILEX signs antibody license agreement with Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited

18-Jan-2017 - Germany

WILEX AG and Australian biopharmaceutical company Telix Pharmaceuticals Limited, announced that they have concluded a worldwide license agreement for the development and commercialization of the imaging agent REDECTANE®, a radiolabeled form of the monoclonal antibody Girentuximab. Girentuximab binds to Carbonic Anhydrase-9 (CAIX), an antigen highly expressed on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells. Targeting and accumulation of radiolabeled-antibodies in tumor tissue can be visualized by molecular imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and has significant diagnostic and staging value in the management of renal (kidney) cancer. WILEX has successfully completed a first Phase III trial with REDECTANE® in ccRCC.

WILEX has granted Telix the worldwide licensing rights to further develop and commercialize the REDECTANE® molecular imaging program. Under the agreement, Telix will, as a first step, invest in an improved manufacturing process for the antibody. Under the terms of the agreement, WILEX is eligible to receive upfront and milestone payments totaling USD 3.7 million. In addition, WILEX is eligible to receive significant royalties on global net sales of REDECTANE®, commensurate with a Phase III asset. Telix will be responsible for all development costs, as well as manufacturing and commercialization costs.

Telix will also develop a therapeutic radioimmunoconjugate program based on Girentuximab. Early clinical data suggests that 177Lu-labeled Girentuximab has disease stabilizing effects in patients with advanced staged metastatic renal cancer. Telix is evaluating the use of CAIX-targeting therapeutic agents with both beta- and alpha-emitting radionuclides for a variety of malignancies. Under the terms of the agreement, if a therapeutic product developed by Telix is ultimately granted marketing approval, WILEX will receive single-digit royalties.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/161416/wilex-signs-antibody-license-agreement-with-telix-pharmaceuticals-limited.html