J&J announces immuno-oncology collaboration with Alligator Bioscience

Janssen Biotech, one of the Janssen pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, has announced an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement with Alligator Bioscience for ADC-1013, an immuno-oncology agent currently in Phase I clinical studies.

Under terms of the agreement, which was facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation (London, UK), Janssen gains the rights to develop and commercialise ADC-1013, an agonistic fully human monoclonal antibody.

ADC-1013 targets CD40, an immuno-stimulatory receptor found on antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. Stimulating this receptor initiates a process that leads to an increase in T cells attacking a tumour.

Alligator Bioscience will receive an upfront payment plus additional milestone payments contingent on reaching certain predetermined development, regulatory and commercial milestones.

Alligator Bioscience will complete the current Phase I dose escalation study and Janssen will be responsible for all subsequent development of ADC-1013, including research, development, manufacturing, regulatory and commercialisation activities. In a separate transaction, Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JJDC, Inc.) will subscribe for new shares of Alligator stock.

‘ADC-1013 is a great addition to our growing immuno-oncology portfolio, which includes a broad range of approaches in both solid tumours and haematologic malignancies,’ said Peter Lebowitz, Global Oncology Head, Janssen Research & Development. ‘We were very impressed with the properties of this antibody and we are excited to continue the development that will ultimately deliver it to patients.’