The FDA-approved Adcetris is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics’ proprietary technology.
Under the agreement, Seattle Genetics gains US and Canadian commercialisation rights and the Takeda Group will commercialise Adcetris in the rest of the world.
Millennium and Seattle Genetics are planning two Adcetris Phase III studies that will use the companion diagnostic assay, one in CD30-positive cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and the other in CD30-positive mature T-cell lymphomas (MTCL).
Seattle Genetics chief medical officer Thomas Reynolds said the collaboration with Ventana provides an opportunity for development of a diagnostic tool to identify patients who may benefit from Adcetris treatment.
Millennium chief medical officer Karen Ferrante said they look forward to collaborating with Ventana and Seattle Genetics to develop the new diagnostic tool and expanding the ongoing clinical development program for Adcetris in patients with CD30-positive malignancies.