Bayer and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. will jointly develop a combination therapy of the angiopoietin2 (Ang2) antibody, nesvacumab, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) trap, aflibercept, for the treatment of serious eye diseases. Two ongoing Phase II clinical studies are evaluating the combination therapy as a co-formulated single intravitreal injection, known as REGN910-3, in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema.

Angiopoietins, discovered by scientists at Regeneron, are a family of vascular growth factors. Preclinical data demonstrates that angiopoietins act together with the VEGF family to promote the formation and maturation of blood and lymphatic vessels in the eye. Ang2 and VEGF together therefore have the potential to influence the pathological development of new blood vessels and the permeability of blood vessel walls in certain diseases of the eye.

Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron will receive a $50 million upfront payment and will share global development costs for the program with Bayer. Bayer will have exclusive commercialization rights to the combination product outside the United States and will share potential profits equally with Regeneron. Within the US, Regeneron retains exclusive commercialization rights and will retain 100% of profits from US sales. Regeneron is also eligible to receive up to $80 million in potential payments related to development and regulatory milestones. 

Bayer and Regeneron currently collaborate on the global development and commercialization of Eylea (aflibercept) Injection and on the global development of REGN2176-3, an antibody to Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Beta (PDGFR-beta) co-formulated in a single intravitreal injection with aflibercept, which is currently in Phase II clinical trials for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

Source: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals