Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Business

Immuno-oncology Mania Grows

by Lisa M. Jarvis
August 3, 2015 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 93, Issue 31

The mania over immuno-oncology reached fever pitch last week with two sizable deals for antibodies against so-called checkpoint proteins, which dampen the immune response to cancer. Sanofi said it will pay Regeneron $640 million to codevelop REGN2810, a PD-1 inhibitor in Phase I studies, and gain access to other immuno-oncology drug candidates. The partners will spend $1 billion to develop drugs that can be used alone or in combination. Sanofi will foot 75% of that bill and kick in another $325 million to support REGN2810. Separately, Merck & Co. is paying $95 million up front and up to $510 million in milestones to acquire cCAM Biotherapeutics. The Israeli firm brings Merck an antibody against the checkpoint protein CEACAM1 that is currently in Phase I studies. Interest in immuno-oncology was underscored when NantKwest, a firm backed by entrepreneur Patrick Soon-Shiong to develop therapies based on immune cells called “natural killer cells,” debuted on the stock market. Initially priced at $25.00 apiece, NantKwest shares surged almost 40% in their first day of trading to value the firm at $2.6 billion, the most ever for a newly public biotech.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.