Bristol Myers Squibb to Co-Develop Eisai’s Antibody Drug Conjugate

Bristol Myers Squibb and Japan-based pharmaceutical company, Eisai, recently entered into a global collaboration agreement for the co-development and co-commercialization of an antibody drug conjugate, MORAb-202.

Under the agreement, Bristol Myers Squibb will jointly develop and commercialize MORAb-202, Eisai’s first antibody drug conjugate, in Japan, China, countries in the Asia-Pacific region, US, Canada, Europe, including the European Union and UK, and Russia.

The company will be responsible for developing and commercializing the drug in regions outside of the collaboration territories while Eisai will be responsible for manufacturing and supplying MORAb-202 globally.

MORAb-202 combines its antifolate receptor alpha antibody and its anticancer agent eribulin, using an enzyme cleavable linker, a Bristol Myers Squibb spokesperson explained.

So far, the antibody has demonstrated single-agent activity in patients with advanced solid tumors. Currently, Eisai is investigating MORAB-202 in FRα-positive solid tumors in two studies. 

The first Phase 1 study takes place in Japan, and the second Phase 1/2 study will take place in the US. The companies will move into the registration stage of development as early as 2022. 

“This global collaboration with Eisai is an important strategic fit for Bristol Myers Squibb as it extends our leading position in oncology with a differentiated asset that complements our broad solid tumor portfolio and leverages our deep internal development expertise.” Giovanni Caforio, MD, board chair and chief executive officer of Bristol Myers Squibb, said in the announcement.

“We look forward to collaborating with Eisai as we work to bring this potential treatment option to patients in need as soon as possible,” Caforio continued. 

Under the financial terms of the agreement, Bristol Myers Squibb will pay $650 million to Eisai, including a $200 million payment toward Eisai research and development expenses. Additionally, Eisai is entitled to receive up to $2.45 billion in potential future development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.

Haruo Naito, chief executive officer at Eisai, explained that the collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb will boost the development of MORAb-202 to bring a treatment option to patients globally.