AbbVie, Tentarix collaborate to develop conditionally-active, multi-specific biologics for oncology and immunology
AbbVie Inc. and Tentarix Biotherapeutics announced a multi-year collaboration focused on the discovery and development of conditionally-active, multi-specific biologic candidates in oncology and immunology. The collaboration will integrate AbbVie's expertise in oncology and immunology with Tentarix's proprietary Tentacles platform.
About Tentacles
Tentacles are multi-functional, conditionally-active antibody-based biologics that are designed specifically to activate immune cells that can modulate disease pathways, while potentially mitigating safety concerns associated with non-specific targeting of other immune cells.
Statement from Leaders
1. AbbVie
- Oncology and immunology are two of our key strategic growth areas where we are pursuing novel technologies that aim to deliver transformative therapies, which address unmet patient needs, said Jonathon Sedgwick, Ph.D., senior vice president and global head of discovery research, AbbVie.
- This strategic partnership complements our ongoing efforts in developing novel biologics, potentially to expand our oncology and immunology portfolios with conditionally-active multi-specific molecules.
2. Tentarix Biotherapeutics
- We are excited to join forces with AbbVie to help accelerate cutting-edge, conditionally-active therapeutic programs towards clinical applications for patients in need, said Don Santel, interim chief executive officer, Tentarix Biotherapeutics.
- This collaboration adds to our portfolio of internal and external pipeline programmes and is a strong validation of our approach in understanding and targeting complex immune interactions that drive cancers and inflammatory diseases.
Terms of agreement
- Under the terms of the agreements, Tentarix will receive upfront option payments, totalling $64 million from AbbVie, for the two programmes.
- AbbVie will receive an exclusive option to fully acquire the programmes following candidate nomination, for an additional undisclosed payment for each programme.
Companies Missions
1. AbbVie
- AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.
- The company strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.
2. Tentarix Biotherapeutics
- Tentarix's mission is to develop first-in-class targeted, multifunctional, conditional therapies across a range of indications of high unmet medical need.
- Tentarix is focused on modulating cell specific functions while increasing the safety profile for biologics.
