BMS to use Halozyme’s Enhanze technology to develop immuno-oncology medicines

Under the deal, BMS will use Halozyme’s Enhanze drug-delivery technology to develop subcutaneously administered immuno-oncology medicines.

Enhanze technology is based on a proprietary recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20), which temporarily degrades hyaluronan.

Hyaluronan is a glycosaminoglycan or chain of natural sugars in the body that will help to disperse and absorb other injected therapeutic drugs.

Enhanze technology will allow to deliver large volume injectable medications, including medications that are currently delivered intravenously, through subcutaneous delivery.

As per terms of the deal, BMS will pay an initial $105m to Halozyme for accessing the Enhanze technology.

The deal allows BMS to select multiple immuno-oncology targets such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) and, as well as additional targets within five years. The collaboration is expected to be extended to a maximum of 11 targets.

Based on the achievement of certain specified development, regulatory and sales-based milestones, Halozyme will also secure milestone payments of up to $160m for each of the nominated collaboration targets and additional milestone payments for combination products.

BMS chief commercial officer Murdo Gordon said: “We are excited to partner with Halozyme to pursue potential new approaches to how our medicines are delivered to patients.

“Through our work with Halozyme, we hope to improve the patient treatment experience by developing flexible and convenient treatment delivery options.”

Halozyme president and CEO Dr Helen Torley said: “Bristol-Myers Squibb has one of the industry’s most advanced and extensive immuno-oncology portfolios with a clear commitment to patient-centered innovation.”