Seattle Genetics entered into the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) collaboration with CuraGen in June 2004, at which time CuraGen paid an upfront fee of $2 million for access to the ADC technology for one antigen target.
Under the terms of the agreement, CuraGen has rights to use Seattle Genetics’ ADC technology with antibodies against up to two targets selected by CuraGen. CuraGen also pays ongoing technology access and material supply fees and has agreed to make progress-dependent milestone payments and pay royalties on net sales of ADC products.
CuraGen is responsible for research, product development, manufacturing and commercialization of any products resulting from the collaboration.
“ADCs are becoming an increasingly important aspect of antibody-based therapy development because the cytotoxic payloads they deliver and release within target cells can enhance the therapeutic potential of antibodies that have targeting ability but lack sufficient potency on their own,” stated Dr Clay Siegall, president and CEO of Seattle Genetics. “CuraGen has made significant strides with their first ADC program utilizing our technology, and we look forward to collaborating on an additional ADC target.”
Seattle Genetics’ ADC technology is initially being used in CR011, an ADC being evaluated in metastatic melanoma that is expected to enter the clinic next year.