AbbVie, Scripps Research to collaborate on developing new therapeutics

US biopharma company AbbVie has entered into a collaboration with California-based nonprofit medical research facility Scripps Research with a goal to develop new therapies for a variety of diseases, including in the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology, fibrosis, and neurology.

Peter Schultz – CEO of Scripps Research and Calibr, its drug discovery unit, said: “Based on our strong switchable CAR-T alliance launched in 2018, we feel the expanded relationship with AbbVie represents a robust path forward for some of our programs, complementing a diverse ecosystem of innovation we’ve created over the past several years at Scripps to advance life-changing therapies.”

Apart from the programs initially included in the collaboration from preclinical to IND stages of development, Scripps Research will offer AbbVie a certain number of preclinical programs of mutual interest annually for consideration to be included in the collaboration. Scripps Research and AbbVie will also work closely in parallel to advance CD3 bispecifics against oncology targets nominated by the biopharma company.

AbbVie, Scripps Research to collaborate on developing new therapeutics. Photo courtesy of AbbVie Inc.

As per the terms of the license agreement, Scripps Research will continue to carry out pre-clinical research and development activities and, in certain cases, phase 1 clinical trials with AbbVie to have an exclusive option for further development and commercialization.

Subject to AbbVie’s decision to exercise its option to a given program, Scripps Research will get additional payments from the former, including option exercise fees, success-based development, and commercial milestone payments, and also tiered royalties.

The biopharma company will make an undisclosed upfront payment in addition to a near-term milestone payment based on the achievement of certain success criteria.

Mohit Trikha – AbbVie vice president and head of oncology early development said: “This partnership with Scripps Research will collaboratively advance next generation programs, build stronger relationships with proven and emerging scientific leaders, and most importantly help us advance novel medicines for patients.

“We are eager to partner with Scripps on these assets as they enter the clinic over the next few years as Scripps has one of the strongest track records of any academic institution when it comes to advancing novel medicines for patients.”