Seattle Genetics Extends Agensys Alliance

Seattle Genetics, Inc. has exercised an option to co-develop an additional antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), ASG-15ME, under its existing collaboration with Agensys, Inc., an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma. ASG-15ME targets the tumor antigen SLITRK6, which is expressed on bladder and lung cancer. Agensys has submitted an IND to the FDA for a Phase I trial of ASG-15ME. Seattle Genetics will make a payment and thereafter fund half of the future development costs for the ASG-15ME program.
 
 “Through our collaboration and co-development agreements with companies like Agensys/Astellas, Seattle Genetics continues to enhance its ability to innovate by combining our industry-leading ADC technology with proprietary cancer targets and antibodies to develop potential new treatments for patients with cancer,” said Eric L. Dobmeier, chief operating officer of Seattle Genetics. “ADCs represent a novel therapeutic approach, and through our pipeline and collaborations more than half of the ADC candidates in clinical development utilize our technology. We look forward to working with Agensys/Astellas to advance ASG-15ME.” 
 
 “We’re eager to continue our strong collaboration with Seattle Genetics for ASG-15ME,” said David Stover, Ph.D., senior vice president, Agensys Site Head. “This collaboration with Seattle Genetics is in line with our goal to utilize the most advanced technologies to generate more innovative medicines in oncology.”