Aventis Antes Up in Antibodies
Executive Summary
Aventis SA's oncology franchise is anchored by the blockbuster Taxotere. Sales of the drug comprise more than 8% of Aventis's core pharma business, and are currently growing more than 25% worldwide and in the US. Yet until recently, the firm had few other products with which to leverage its commercial infrastructure in oncology. It is therefore teaming up with ImmunoGen Inc. to create antibody-based oncology therapeutics using drug targets provided by both companies.You may also be interested in...
In Cancer, the Antibody Beat Goes On
For the second time since the summer, a Top-Ten pharma company with an established oncology franchise has enlisted the aid of a biotech to give it a leg up in the development and manufacturing of therapeutic antibodies. In July, it was Aventis. Now, AstraZeneca is teaming up with human antibody producer Abgenix.
In Cancer, the Antibody Beat Goes On
For the second time since the summer, a Top-Ten pharma company with an established oncology franchise has enlisted the aid of a biotech to give it a leg up in the development and manufacturing of therapeutic antibodies. In July, it was Aventis. Now, AstraZeneca is teaming up with human antibody producer Abgenix.
Aventis/Regeneron: Validation by Association
In the past, drug companies paid big fees up front only for drugs that had demonstrated clear clinical validation. But in paying $80 million cash up front for Regeneron's VEGF Trap cancer candidate--the highest up-front fee ever for a Phase I--Aventis is relying on data generated not by the compound in question, but by another product targeting the same receptor.
Existing Subscriber?
Sign in to continue reading.
Need a specific report? 1000+ reports available
Buy Reports
Need a specific report? 1000+ reports available
Buy Reports