Micromet and TRACON Pharmaceuticals Sign Exclusive Worldwide License Agreement to Develop and Commercialize Antibody D93
Start of Phase 1 Clinical Trial Planned for the Second Half of This Year
Micromet, Inc. and TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of products for cancer treatment, announced an agreement granting TRACON exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize Micromet's D93 antibody with a novel mode of action for the treatment of cancer. TRACON Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2005 by Paramount BioSciences, LLC.
"TRACON's management team, with its specific expertise in the development of antibodies and small molecules that target angiogenesis, is an excellent partner for the development of D93 and we are looking forward to the start of clinical trials planned for the second half of this year," said Christian Itin, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Micromet, Inc.
D93 is a recombinant humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis, tumor cell growth and metastasis by targeting cleaved collagen, which is predominantly produced in the extracellular matrix of tumors. Preclinical studies indicate that D93 has the potential to treat different types of cancer as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapeutics. Because of its anti-angiogenic activity, D93 may also provide a new therapeutic approach for other diseases involving neo-vascularization such as wet age-related macular degeneration or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In 2006, Micromet filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for clinical testing of D93 in patients with cancer.
Under the terms of the agreement, TRACON will be responsible for all development and commercial activities. TRACON plans to initiate a phase 1 clinical trial in the second half of this year. Under the terms of the agreement, TRACON will pay Micromet upfront and milestone payments of more than $100 million, if D93 is successfully developed and commercialized. In addition, Micromet will receive royalties on worldwide sales of D93.
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
