Ipsen has signed a deal with Foreseen Biotechnology for the global rights to FS001, an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting a novel tumor-associated antigen. This target is overexpressed in various solid tumors and is pivotal in tumor growth and metastasis. While financial specifics were sparse, Foreseen could receive up to $1.03 billion, including upfront and milestone payments.
ADCs consist of a tumor-targeting antibody linked to a toxic drug payload. They are a hot area in cancer research, with big pharma companies like Pfizer and Merck actively acquiring ADCs to enhance their cancer drug pipelines. Foreseen’s FS001 was identified using its AI-driven platform, which analyzed numerous tumor samples. FS001 features a stable, cleavable linker attached to a topoisomerase I inhibitor, commonly used in other ADCs. Foreseen believes FS001 could treat multiple cancers, either alone or in combination with other therapies.
Ipsen will handle all further development of FS001, including FDA submissions, manufacturing, and clinical trials. If successful, Ipsen will pay royalties to Foreseen. Mary Jane Hinrichs of Ipsen expressed optimism about FS001’s potential to offer new treatments for cancer patients globally as they prepare for Phase 1 trials in selected solid tumors.
This deal follows Ipsen’s recent acquisition of global rights to STRO-003, an ADC developed by Sutro Biopharma to target ROR1, another tumor antigen. Ipsen paid $92 million for these rights, competing with Merck, CStone Pharmaceuticals, and Lyell Immunopharma in this space.
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