ImmunoGen Announces a Global, Multi-Target License and Option Agreement with Vertex for the Use of ImmunoGen’s ADC Technology in the Development of Novel Targeted Conditioning Agents

ImmunoGen, Inc. announced a global, multi-target license and option agreement whereby it granted Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Vertex) (NYSE: VRTX) rights to conduct research using ImmunoGen’s ADC technology to discover novel targeted conditioning agents for use with gene editing. Following the research period for each target, Vertex will have the option to obtain a worldwide, exclusive license to research, develop, and commercialize conditioning agents employing ImmunoGen’s technology for that target. ImmunoGen will retain full rights to the ADC technology for all targets not covered by the Vertex license.

As part of the agreement, Vertex will pay ImmunoGen an upfront payment of $15 million. ImmunoGen is eligible to receive up to $337 million in option exercise fees and development and commercial milestone payments per target. ImmunoGen will be eligible to receive tiered royalties as a percentage of worldwide commercial sales of novel licensed targeted conditioning agents by Vertex. Vertex is responsible for all research, development, and commercialization and related costs.

“Given Vertex’s extensive experience discovering and developing transformative medicines for patients with serious diseases, we are thrilled they have chosen to explore ImmunoGen’s technology to develop ADCs for transplant conditioning in connection with gene editing,” said Michael Vasconcelles, MD, ImmunoGen’s Executive Vice President, Research, Development, and Medical Affairs. “This agreement reflects our continued innovation in the ADC space and demonstrates the value of our technology platform and related intellectual property.”

“We look forward to evaluating the potential of ImmunoGen’s technology to develop a gentler conditioning regimen for use with Vertex’s exagamglogene autotemcel (exa-cel), for the potential treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT),” said Mike Cooke, PhD, SVP, Vertex Cell and Genetic Therapies.