On July 16, 2021, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson and argenx entered into a global agreement to develop and commercialize cusatuzumab, a potential treatment for hematological malignancies.
Cusatuzumab targets CD70, a protein that is expressed on various cancer cells, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and B-cell malignancies. In pre-clinical studies, this antibody has shown promise in inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against cancer cells.
Under the agreement, Janssen will obtain an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize cusatuzumab. Argenx will receive an upfront payment of $300 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.8 billion in potential milestone payments. Additionally, argenx will be entitled to royalties on net sales of cusatuzumab.
This partnership will further drive Janssen`s commitment to developing therapies for hematological malignancies. The company currently has a portfolio of therapies for hematologic malignancies, including multiple myeloma, leukemia, and lymphoma.
As for argenx, this agreement will bolster its financial position and allow it to continue focusing on developing and commercializing its pipeline of innovative antibody-based therapeutics. The company has several other clinical-stage programs with promising results, including efgartigimod, a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases.
The Janssen-argenx agreement is a significant step towards advancing new treatments for hematological malignancies, which remain an area of unmet medical need. Cusatuzumab has the potential to become a game-changer in this field, and this partnership will bring together the expertise and resources needed to make it a reality.