Abbott Laboratories (ABT) said that it has signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pierre Fabre SA to develop and commercialize h224G11, a pre-clinical monoclonal antibody identified at the Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre in France and targeting the cMet receptor for the treatment of cancer.
cMet protein plays a role in the progression of a range of solid tumors including, prostate, lung and gastric cancers and mediates resistance to chemotherapy.
H224G11 works by specifically binding to cMet protein and interrupting the signaling pathway, which leads to cancer cell death and the prevention of tumor growth. The antibody also inhibits cancer cell migration and angiogenesis.
As part of the agreement, the companies also intend to collaborate on research to explore next-generation cMet antibodies.
Under the agreement, Abbott will lead the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibodies targeting the cMet receptor.
Pierre Fabre SA will receive an initial $25 million upfront payment and research funding to support further discovery efforts for two years. Additional terms of the agreement, including milestones and royalty payments, remain confidential.
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