The product is recombinant human Mannan-Binding Lectin (rhMBL), a protein therapeutic being developed for the prevention of severe infections in MBL-deficient individuals undergoing chemotherapy.
Enzon receives exclusive worldwide rights, excluding the Nordic countries, and is responsible for the development, manufacture, and marketing of rhMBL.
As well as the upfront payment of $10 million, NatImmune will also receive additional payments upon the successful completion of certain clinical development, regulatory, and sales-based milestones. NatImmune is also eligible to receive royalties from any future product sales of rhMBL by Enzon and retains certain rights to develop a non-systemic formulation for topical administration of MBL.
Mannan-Binding Lectin (MBL) is a naturally occurring human plasma protein that plays a key role in the immune system’s first-line defense against infections. MBL binds to a wide range of invading organisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites and activates the lectin pathway of the complement system, an important defense mechanism of the immune system.
Numerous studies have found a strong correlation between MBL-deficiency and an increased susceptibility to infections in patients with a suppressed immune system, such as cancer patients undergoing treatment with chemotherapy. In addition, a number of publications have also highlighted the potentially important future role of MBL replacement therapy in preventing serious infections in other critical care areas associated with immunodeficiency.
“Today’s announcement underscores our commitment to rebuilding our clinical pipeline with promising product development opportunities,” said Jeffrey Buchalter, Enzon’s chairman and CEO. “Given the vital role MBL plays in the immune system, this compound represents an exciting opportunity for us to bring a substantial clinical advantage to patients who are susceptible to serious infections.”