AbbVie, Teneobio Partner on Multiple Myeloma Treatment

On Feb. 11, 2019, AbbVie announced a global strategic partnership with Teneobio and its affiliate TeneoOne to develop and commercialize TNB-383B, a B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting immunotherapeutic for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma.

Under the agreement, TeneoOne will receive an upfront payment of $90 million and will continue developing TNB-383B through Phase I. AbbVie will hold the exclusive right to acquire TeneoOne and lead subsequent global development and commercialization of the product candidate. If AbbVie exercises its right to acquire TeneoOne, the former stockholders of TeneoOne will also be eligible for regulatory and commercial sales milestones.

BCMA has emerged as an attractive target for multiple myeloma therapeutics, according to AbbVie. TNB-383B is a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets BCMA and CD3 using Teneobio's anti-CD3 platform. Through this dual targeting mechanism, TNB-383B is designed to direct the body's own immune system to target and kill BCMA-expressing tumor cells. Teneobio is expected to begin the clinical program for TNB-383B in the first half of 2019.

"We are excited to partner with AbbVie on our first clinical candidate, TNB-383B, which targets BCMA using our unique T-cell redirecting platform. Combined with AbbVie's commitment to scientific advancement and bringing oncology products to the world-wide commercial market, we will be able to quickly progress the development of TNB-383B for patients in need," said Roland Buelow, CEO of Teneobio and TeneoOne, in a company press release.

"Developing novel targeted treatments for patients with cancer continues to be our key priority," said Mohit Trikha, PhD, vice-president and head, oncology early development, AbbVie, in the press release. "Multiple myeloma is one of the most common hematological cancers and an area of significant medical need. Teneobio's novel approach to T-cell redirection with TNB-383B has the potential to be a treatment option that may offer new hope for myeloma patients."

Source: AbbVie