Genentech and Seattle Genetics expand collaboration; Genzyme/Isis cholesterol candidate meets Ph III goals

US biotechnology firms Genentech (subsidiary of Swiss drug major Roche) and Seattle Genetics have expanded their antibody-drug conjugate collaboration agreement. Under the expanded agreement, Genentech will pay an upfront fee of $12 million for gaining rights to utilize Seattle Genetics' ADC technology with additional antigens.

Genentech will assume responsibility for research, preclinical and clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of ADCs under the expanded agreement. Seattle Genetics is eligible to receive about $900 million in fees and milestones if all ADCs in this expanded agreement are commercialized, compared to $500 million in their initial collaboration entered into in 2002. Seattle Genetics will also receive mid-single digit royalties on worldwide net sales of the resulting products, as well as annual maintenance fees and research support payments if requested by Genentech.

Genzyme/Isis mipomersen meets endpoints