YBiologics announced on the 16th that it has signed a joint research agreement and option license agreement with Pierre Fabre Group, one of France’s three major pharmaceutical companies.
The cooperation between the two companies began in 2019 when Pierre Fabre confirmed the excellent efficacy of the YBiologics antibody and proposed a joint research. YBiologics discovered antibodies from’Wimax-ABL’, an antibody library technology. It is explained that the cooperation between the two companies will expand with this contract.
The term of this joint research contract is 3 years, and it is possible to extend the contract for 2 years. The two companies will study three antigens annually and jointly study up to 15 antigens during the contract period. Pierre Fabre has the technology transfer priority (option) for leading antibodies discovered by both companies. Each antibody will pay up to 60 million euros (about 80 billion won) of technology fees (advance payments, milestones by development stage, sales milestones) and separate ordinary technology usage fees (royalties) to YBioLogics.
YBiologics has also secured the right (opt-in option) to participate in the preclinical and clinical development of antibodies. Depending on the target, it is possible to increase the scale and stake in commercialization by continuing the joint development of Pierre Fabre and antibody drugs.
In this joint research, the two companies plan to develop new target immunotherapy drugs based on their respective expertise. YBiologics discovers antibodies against the major antigens selected by Pierre Fabre, and Pierre Fabre is in charge of new drug development. In particular, by targeting the cellular components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), it aims to restore the immune system and enhance the anticancer response in solid cancer patients.
Jean-Look Lowinsky, head of the pharmaceutical division Pierre Fabre, said, “Immuno-cancer research is a top priority for Pierre Fabre.” I will do it,” he said.
Reporter Minsoo Han [email protected]
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