- AbbVie to maintain exclusive access to Calibr-Skaggs'
switchable CAR-T (sCAR-T) platform to develop novel cell therapy
candidates against solid tumor targets identified by AbbVie
- AbbVie also has the option to explore the applicability of
Calibr-Skaggs' sCAR-T platform in autoimmune diseases
- Calibr-Skaggs to partner with AbbVie to support discovery of
next-generation sCAR-Ts using genetic medicine-based
approaches
LA JOLLA, Calif., Feb. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, the nonprofit
drug development division of Scripps Research, announced today that
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has expanded its collaboration to further
explore Calibr-Skaggs' switchable CAR-T (sCAR-T) platform in solid
tumor indications and autoimmune diseases.
"The activity of our switchable CAR-T cell platform has exceeded
even our expectations in these early clinical results," says
Travis Young, PhD, Calibr-Skaggs'
vice president of Biologics and lead on the sCAR-T program at
Calibr-Skaggs. "We greatly value AbbVie's ongoing partnership to
explore this platform in solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. We
believe this platform has potential to make a significant impact
across solid tumors, an area where traditionally CAR-T has not
demonstrated much activity."
CAR-T cell therapies rely on gathering a patient's own T cells,
modifying them to specifically target cancer cells, and delivering
them back to the patient where they eradicate cancer cells in the
body. Broader use of conventional CAR-T treatments has been limited
by various factors, including safety concerns and infrequent
responses against solid tumor cancers. The hallmark toxicities
associated with traditional CAR-T approaches, such as cytokine
release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated
neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), often occur due to overactivation
of the modified CAR-T cells in the body. Calibr-Skaggs' sCAR-T
approach is designed to overcome these challenges by controlling
the activation of these cells using a novel antibody-based "switch"
which binds to a tumor-antigen and to the sCAR-T cell component,
when dosed at an interval. The unique mechanism of sCAR-T may
also enhance effectiveness in solid tumors.
Patients, cancers and treatment responses are often highly
heterogenous. Therefore, the use of
a switchable molecule could allow physicians to tune treatment for
a patient's specific needs, whether it be in response to symptoms
or to continue treatment.
"We are dedicated to pursuing innovation that offers a potential
solution to existing treatment challenges in oncology and
immunology," says Jonathon Sedgwick,
Ph.D., vice president and global head of discovery research at
AbbVie. "Unlike traditional CAR-T cell therapies, Calibr-Skaggs'
innovative approach may offer enhanced control and precision for
activating CAR-Ts, thus potentially reducing adverse effects of
existing CAR-T cell therapies. We look forward to working with
Calibr-Skaggs to further explore this promising avenue in the
pursuit of next-generation treatments."
Under the terms of the license agreement, AbbVie will pay
Calibr-Skaggs an upfront license fee and maintain exclusive access
to Calibr-Skaggs' switchable CAR-T platform for a term of up to
five years. AbbVie also has the option to license existing
Calibr-Skaggs cell therapy programs under development for hematological and solid tumors, including
Calibr-Skaggs' lead program and will have the option to explore the
applicability of sCAR-Ts in autoimmune diseases. Calibr-Skaggs is
eligible to receive success-based milestone payments and
royalties.
About the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative
Medicines
The Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative
Medicines was founded on the principle that the creation of new
medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical
research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development
capabilities. Leveraging the unique scientific framework of Scripps
Research, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates
based on Scripps Research technologies and is shaping a new
paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact
patients. Learn more at https://calibr.scripps.edu/.
Media Contact:
Scripps Research Communications
Office
press@scripps.edu
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content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calibr-skaggs-announces-expansion-of-option-and-license-agreement-with-abbvie-to-develop-novel-cell-therapies-for-solid-tumors-and-autoimmune-diseases-302053874.html
SOURCE Scripps Research