A roundup of bio/pharmaceutical partnering news from AbbVie/Medincell and CureVac/MD Anderson Cancer Center. 

* AbbVie, Medincell in $1.9-Bn Injectables Pact
* CureVac, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Cancer Vaccine Pact

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AbbVie, Medincell in $1.9-Bn Injectables Pact 
AbbVie and Medincell, a French clinical- and commercial-stage bio/pharmaceutical licensing company developing long-acting injectable drugs, have formed a collaboration to co-develop and commercialize up to six therapeutic products across multiple therapeutic areas and indications, in a deal worth up to $1.9 billion ($35 million upfront and $1.9 billion in milestone payments).  

Under the agreement, Medincell will use its injectable technology platform to formulate therapies. Medincell will conduct formulation activities and preclinical studies, including supportive CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls) work to advance candidates into clinical trials. AbbVie will finance and conduct the clinical development for each program and will be responsible for regulatory approval, manufacturing, and commercialization. 

Under the agreement, Medincell will receive a $35-million upfront payment and is eligible to receive up to $1.9 billion in development and commercial milestones ($315 million for each program). Medincell is also eligible to receive mid-single to low-double-digit royalties on net sales. 

Source: Medincell 

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CureVac, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Cancer Vaccine Pact 
CureVac, a Tübingen, Germany-based bio/pharmaceutical company, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have announced a co-development and licensing agreement to develop mRNA-based cancer vaccines. 

Both parties will contribute to the identification of differentiated cancer antigens based on whole genome sequencing, combined with long- and short-read RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Joint preclinical validation of the cancer antigens will be supported by the department’s cancer vaccine program, and by MD Anderson’s ECLIPSE (Evolution of Cancer, Leukemia, and Immunity Post Stem Cell Transplant) platform, part of the institution’s therapeutics discovery division. 

Following selection of the validated vaccine candidates and completion of investigational new drug (IND) approvals, MD Anderson will be responsible for conducting initial Phase I/II studies in appropriate clinical indications. 

Under the agreement, CureVac and MD Anderson will jointly contribute to and support development of those programs designated to move forward. CureVac has worldwide exclusive rights to late-stage development, commercialization, or partnering of the cancer vaccine candidates. MD Anderson is eligible for certain downstream payments based on potential future commercialization. 

Source: CureVac