Ablynx, Pfizer Extend TNF-alpha Pact

Ablynx and Pfizer have extended their research collaboration and license agreement to discover and develop Nanobody-based therapeutics against tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), for another year. TNF-alpha is a key drug target in combating inflammation related disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

Ablynx is eligible to receive royalties on product sales and Pfizer has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize anti-TNF-alpha Nanobodies developed under the collaboration. The lead Nanobody-based candidate is in a Phase II study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The collaboration and license agreement with Pfizer (originally signed with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) in November 2006 is potentially worth $212.5 million in past and future milestone payments for commercialization across multiple indications.

Dr. Edwin Moses, chief executive officer and chairman of Ablynx, said, “We are delighted with this research collaboration extension and the rapid progress made in the partnership with Pfizer. We look forward to seeing the lead Nanobody candidate progress through Phase II trials, as well as working towards the goal of advancing additional anti-TNF-alpha Nanobodies towards the clinic. There are now four Nanobodies in clinical trials including Ablynx’s two anti-thrombosis programs and an anti-RANKL program.”