Clovis Oncology and Avila Therapeutics enter $209 million partnership for EGFR mutant-selective inhibitor NSCLC candidate

US anti-cancer drug developer Clovis Oncology has entered into accord with Avila Therapeutics for the development and commercialization of Avila's epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant-selective inhibitor (EMSI) program, currently in preclinical development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), that could be worth a potential $209 million to the latter firm.

Under the terms of the agreement, Massachusetts, USA-based Avila and Clovis will collaborate on the preclinical development of the EMSI product candidate. Clovis will be fully responsible for all aspects of development and commercialization, including development of companion diagnostics to prospectively identify patients with clinically-arising resistance mutations of the EGFR. In addition to research support, Avila will receive an upfront fee and be eligible to receive development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments, with a total potential value of $209 million. Avila will also receive tiered royalties on product sales and will share in selected sublicense income.

Could address unmet medical need