European biotechs collaborate on biotherapeutic for dermatology
This article was originally published in Scrip
Executive Summary
European biotech companies arGEN-X and LEO Pharma are to collaborate to develop antibody-based solutions for the treatment of chronic inflammation underlying many skin conditions. Under the agreement, dermatology-focused LEO will receive exclusive access to an existing arGEN-X antibody currently in preclinical development for inflammation-related skin diseases. arGEN-X will receive pre-IND payments of €4.5m, which includes an upfront payment, and potential milestone payments of more than €100m, as well as royalties on any resulting products. The companies will co-fund product development up to clinical trial application (CTA) filing. Additional terms and financial details were not disclosed. "We see LEO Pharma's selection of our program and approach to antibody creation as an important validation of our position in the therapeutic antibody space. This collaboration is central to arGEN-X' strategy to be the preferred antibody partner of global leaders in specific disease areas beyond our own focus," said Tim Van Hauwermeiren, arGEN-X CEO. The alliance marks LEO's entry into the area of biotherapeutics for dermatology.