Janssen’s Cilag in License Agreement for Cancer Immunotherapy Cusatuzumab

Addition of investigational antibody cusatuzumab to robust oncology pipeline reflects Janssen’s commitment to advance innovative therapies for blood cancers where unmet medical needs remain

Cilag GmbH International, an affiliate of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, announced today it has entered into a worldwide collaboration and license agreement with argenx BVBA and argenx SE, to develop and commercialize cusatuzumab (ARGX-110). Cusatuzumab is an investigational therapeutic antibody that targets CD70, an immune checkpoint implicated in numerous cancers, including hematological malignancies. This first-in-class SIMPLE Antibody™ is currently in Phase 1/2 clinical trials to evaluate its safety, tolerability and efficacy in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Separately, an equity investment by Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JJDC, Inc. (JJDC) will be made in argenx SE.

Updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical study evaluating cusatuzumab in combination with azacytidine in newly diagnosed patients with AML unfit for intensive chemotherapy are being presented during an argenx workshop held in conjunction with the 60^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). The data showed promising anti-leukemia activity in these patients.ⁱ

“We believe CD70 is an important target in the biology of select cancers, and we are eager to accelerate the development of this innovative antibody together with argenx,” said Yusri Elsayed, M.D., MHSc., Ph.D., Vice President, Hematologic Malignancies Disease Area Leader, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “Phase 1/2 data in acute myeloid leukemia showed the activity of cusatuzumab, and we hope to translate these findings to improve outcomes for patients with myeloid malignancies.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen will jointly develop and globally commercialize cusatuzumab in AML, MDS, and potential future indications, as well as next generation CD70 antibodies. Janssen will make an upfront payment of $300 million USD and additional payments based upon the achievement of certain development, regulatory and sales milestones. Janssen is responsible for commercialization worldwide. In the U.S., argenx has the option to participate in commercialization efforts. Janssen will record worldwide net trade sales. In the U.S., the companies have agreed to share the economics 50/50, and outside the U.S., Janssen will pay double-digit sales royalties to argenx.

“We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with argenx and advance a promising antibody for the treatment of AML and other blood cancers where current treatment is limited and effective new interventions are needed for patients,” said Mathai Mammen, M.D., Ph.D., Global Head, Janssen Research & Development, LLC. “The addition of cusatuzumab deepens our portfolio and adds to our expertise in oncology, and more importantly, it reflects our commitment to combine Janssen’s strengths with those of other outstanding teams to advance science that we believe can transform the treatment of diseases and the lives of patients worldwide.”

The transactions are subject to customary closing conditions, including clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, and expected to close in the first quarter of 2019.

https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/janssen-affiliate-cilag-gmbh-international-enters-worldwide-collaboration-and-license-agreement-with-argenx-for-cancer-immunotherapy-cusatuzumab/