UCB and ImClone terminate development agreement

UCB has announced that it and ImClone Systems have agreed to terminate their collaboration agreement for the development of CDP-791.

Following this decision, UCB will have the worldwide rights to the intellectual property of ImClone relating to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VERGFR-2) for CDP-791, with ImClone receiving a royalty on any future sales of the compound following commercialisation.

CDP-791, a PEGylated diFab antibody that aims to prevent the function of a signalling pathway that has a role in the formation of blood vessels in tumours, is currently being evaluated in phase IIa trials by UCB as a treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer.

Melanie Lee, executive vice president of research and development at UCB, said: “UCB will continue to fully develop CDP-791 and intends to globally market this promising compound in the future.”
She added that the development of CDP-791 by UCB was progressing capably with the results of the phase IIa trials expected in the forthcoming months.

Last month, UCB announced that Pierre Fabre had acquired its over-the-counter pharmaceutical business in Benelux, France, Greece and Switzerland.

This transaction includes a number of brand names, including Balsoclase, Carbolevure, Revitalose and Toclase, while UCB will continue to manufacture and supply some of the products transferred for a transitional period.