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news.US-based Mersana Therapeutics has entered into collaboration with Millennium Pharmaceuticals, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical, for the development of next-generation, Fleximer antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
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Mersana’s conjugation technology includes its biodegradable Fleximer polymer and a broad array of customizable linker chemistries matched to its diverse, cytotoxic payloads.
As part of the deal, Takeda will provide an upfront payment to Mersana for the right to use Fleximer technology for development of new ADC candidates.
The deal will see Mersana conduct research and create ADCs that are conjugates of Takeda’s antibodies and Mersana’s diverse payload platforms, which combine a cytotoxic payload with the Fleximer polymer and custom linkers.
Apart from offering antibodies, Takeda is responsible for product development, manufacturing and commercialization of any Fleximer-ADC products.
In addition to providing upfront payment, Mersana will also receive milestones and royalties on worldwide net sales of any resulting ADC products.
Takeda head of the Oncology Drug Discovery Unit Christopher Claiborne said collaboration is key to the company’s business model and is at the root of its success in leading innovation in medicine.
"Mersana’s unique approach to ADCs allows a wide variety of antibody and payload combinations to be investigated," Claiborne said.
"We believe that working with Mersana and investigating Fleximer-ADCs in oncology, one of Takeda’s core therapeutic areas, will strengthen our leadership and experience in developing and bringing innovative ADC therapeutics to patients worldwide."