Celgene and Agios Pharma collaborate to target areas of unmet need in cancer in deal worth an initial $130 million to the latter

US companies Celgene and Agios Pharmaceuticals have entered into a global strategic collaboration focused on targeting cancer metabolism. The goal of the collaboration is to discover, develop, and deliver novel disease-altering therapies in oncology based on the transformational science of Agios' innovative cancer metabolism research platform. This platform is based on the concept that targeting key metabolic enzymes unique to rapidly proliferating cancer cells can 'starve' the cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Agios will receive a $130 million upfront payment, including an equity investment. This is one of the largest upfront cash deals among recent licensing accords. In return, Celgene receives an initial period of exclusivity during which it has the option to develop any drugs resulting from the Agios cancer metabolism research platform, In addition, Celgene may extend this exclusivity period through additional funding. If successful, Agios would receive substantial regulatory, clinical and commercial milestones.

Further $120 million in milestones/per program