Roche returns rights to TB-403 to ThromboGenics and BioInvent, who abandon TB-402 development

Belgium-based biopharma company ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR) and co-development partner Sweden’s BioInvent International (OMXS: BINV) announced this morning that they will regain global rights to TB-403 from Swiss drug major Roche (ROG: SIX).

TB-403 was licensed to Roche in 2008 in a deal involving an upfront payment by the Swiss firm of 50 million euros ($61.8 at current exchange rates) plus a potential 450 million euros in milestones (The Pharma Letter June 30, 2008). ThromboGenics and BioInvent plan to further evaluate the potential of TB-403 in certain cancer and non-cancer indications, including ophthalmology. Clinical studies with TB-403 to-date have shown that it is safe and well tolerated. Roche’s decision was due to the prioritization of resources in the Roche portfolio, it was noted.

TB-403 is a monoclonal antibody against placental growth factor (PlGF). PIGF is a naturally occurring protein that belongs to the family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) that promote the formation of blood vessels. TB-403’s ability to block the growth of new blood vessels and modulate inflammation means it could potentially be used in a broad range of cancer and non-cancer indications.