CLINICAL AND REGULATORY
Immunogen announced data from study evaluating mirvetuximab with Avastin in ovarian cancer
ImmunoGen announced mature data from the FORWARD II study evaluating mirvetuximab soravtansine in combination with Avastin bevacizumab in patients with medium and high folate receptor alpha (FRα)-expressing recurrent ovarian cancer for whom a non-platinum based combination regimen is appropriate. These findings will be highlighted in an oral presentation at ASCO in June. In the overall patient population, objective responses were seen in 30 patients and the confirmed ORR was 50%, with a median DOR of 9.7 months and median PFS of 8.3 months. In patients with high FRα expression (n=33), the confirmed ORR was 64%, mDOR was 11.8 months, and mPFS was 10.6 months. In high FRα platinum-sensitive patients, who represent a growing population, the combination of mirvetuximab plus bevacizumab achieved a 69% ORR, 12.7 month mDOR, and a 13.3 month mPFS. In high FRα platinum-resistant patients, the combination of mirvetuximab plus bevacizumab achieved a 59% ORR, 9.4 month mDOR, and a 9.7 month mPFS. ImmunoGen submits BLA for mirvetuximab soravtansine in ovarian cancer. In the submission, ImmunoGen is seeking priority review and accelerated approval of Mirvetuximab soravtansine to treat second- to fourth-line ovarian cancer.
DEALS AND FINANCING
Sanofi and Seagen to develop and commercialize multiple novel ADCs
Sanofi and Seagen announced an exclusive collaboration agreement to design, develop, and commercialize ADCs for up to three cancer targets. The collaboration will utilize Sanofi’s proprietary monoclonal antibody technology and Seagen’s proprietary ADC technology. Seagen and Sanofi will co-fund global development activities and share equally in any future profits. In addition, Sanofi will make an undisclosed payment to Seagen for each of the three targets as they are selected. The first target under the collaboration has already been designated. The partners will co-fund global development activities and share equally in future profits, and Sanofi will pay Seagen an undisclosed amount for each of the three targets as they are selected, the first of which has been designated.
Medilink Therapeutics closed $70 million Series B financing
MediLink Therapeutics announced completion of a $70 million Series B financing. This round was led by LYFE Capital and Qiming Venture Partners, and co-invested by Legend Capital, Loyal Valley Capital and Highlight Capital. The new funding will support clinical development of MediLink's new generation ADC pipeline, as well as early discovery and development of novel conjugated drugs. The first clinical program will begin Phase 1 clinical trials in both China and the US this year.
