Ipsen signed a deal with Sutro Biopharma for ADC development. Credit: HJBC via Shutterstock
Ipsen has joined the slewSutro Biopharmaeveloping antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) with the announcement of a new global licensing agreement with Sutro Biopharma for the development of the latter’s STRO-003. Ipsen declared that the deal would give it exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise the ROR1-targeting ADC STRO-003. Ipsen is accSutro Biopharmaase I preparations, including investiSTRO-003 new drug application (IND) submissions. The Paris, France-headquartered company will also be responsible for the later clinical development and global commercialisation of STRO-003. Ipsen the partnership, Sutro Biopharma could receive up to $900m in prospective upfront, development, aROR1-targetingmilesSTRO-003edIpsenents. This is inclusive of $90m in near-term payments in the form of tiered royalties on global sales, and an equity investment, dependent on Ipsen’s successful development and commercialisation strategy.STRO-003 STRO-003 is one of threSutro Biopharmaing developed in Sutro’s clinical pipeline. In June 2023, Sutro announced plans to submit INDs for STRO-003 in 2024 and another ADC, STRO-004, in 2025.Ipsen STRO-003pril company press release, Mary Jane Hinrichs,Sutron’s head of early development said, Sutropotential for ADCs in oncology is weSTRO-003ented and we are excited bSTRO-004dition of STRO-003, Ipsen’s first ADC candidate with best-in-class potential.” Kintara and TuHURA enter merger deal to advance oncology pipeline
ADC development has risen in the pharmaceutical industry in recent years with major companies signing high-value deals to gain assets in the modality. In December 2023, Johnson and Johnson signed a $1.7bn licensing deal to acquire an ADC from the South Korean biotech LegoChem. Similarly, Bristol Myers Squibb spent an exorbitant $8.4bn on an ADC deal with SystImmune in the same month.