Indian pharmaceutical company Lupin has entered a landmark agreement to out-license its MALT1 (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation Protein 1) inhibitor program to US-based biopharmaceutical giant AbbVie. The deal, potentially worth $977 million, grants AbbVie exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize the novel inhibitors.

Key highlights of the deal

Under the terms of the agreement, Lupin will receive an upfront payment of $30 million. Additionally, milestone payments, tied to regulatory, developmental, and commercial achievements, could reach up to $947 million. Lupin will also retain commercial rights to the MALT1 inhibitor program in India and is entitled to double-digit royalties on global product sales.

AbbVie aims to leverage the inhibitors to tackle various hematological cancers, many of which currently have limited treatment options.

Lupin’s innovative approach to MALT1 inhibitors

Lupin’s MALT1 program represents a first-in-class innovation in pharmaceutical drug discovery. Dr. Raj Kamboj, president of Lupin Novel Drug Discovery and Development (NDDD), expressed pride in the achievement, calling it a pioneering development for India in pharmaceutical research. He credited Lupin’s team for conceptualizing, strategizing, and executing the program to meet global standards.

MALT1 is a protein linked to the activation of T-cells and B-cell lymphocytes, both critical components in the immune response. Lupin’s breakthrough discovery offers a promising approach to targeting these mechanisms in cancer therapy.

AbbVie’s commitment to advancing oncology treatments

Tom Hudson, vice president of AbbVie Discovery, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating that Lupin’s program provides a novel approach to treating challenging cancers. He reaffirmed AbbVie’s commitment to advancing hematological oncology treatments and expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to bring new hope to patients.

Lupin’s growing footprint in the US market

In addition to this milestone agreement, Lupin recently received approval in the US for its clobazam tablets (10mg and 20mg), the generic version of Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals’ Onfi tablets. These are indicated for treating seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients aged two years and older.

Expert insights on the partnership

Experts believe the Lupin-AbbVie collaboration could be a game-changer in the oncology landscape. The deal underscores India’s growing prominence in innovative drug discovery and aligns with global pharmaceutical trends prioritizing targeted therapies for unmet medical needs.

  AbbVie, clobazam, hematological cancers, Lupin, MALT1, Onfi tablets, Raj Kamboj, Tom Hudson