AstraZeneca Seals Cancer Nanomedicine Deal with BIND Therapeutics

AstraZeneca and BIND Therapeutics have formed a strategic collaboration to develop and commercialise BIND’s Accurin, a targeted and programmable cancer nanomedicine, based on a molecularly targeted kinase inhibitor developed and owned by AstraZeneca. The agreement came after data suggested that nanomedicines such as Accurins could selectively accumulate in diseased tissues and cells, leading to higher drug concentrations at the site of the tumour and more importantly, reduced exposure to healthy tissues.

Both companies will work together to complete Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of the lead Accurin, identified from a previously-completed feasibility programme. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire exclusive development and commercialization rights, while BIND will lead manufacturing during the development phase. Bind is eligible to upfront and pre-approval milestone payments totaling $69 million, and more than $130 million in regulatory and sales milestones and other payments as well as tiered single to double-digit royalties on future sales.

"We are excited to grow this collaboration with AstraZeneca," said Scott Minick, President and CEO of BIND in a press release. "One year ago, BIND started several feasibility projects with major pharmaceutical companies. Our collaboration with AstraZeneca is the first one completed and had very successful results. Due to the advanced nature of this programme, we now plan to move an Accurin with optimised therapeutic properties quickly into product development. "

In the same statement, Susan Galbraith, head of AstraZeneca’s Oncology Innovative Medicines Unit, said that, "AstraZeneca believes that targeted therapies which specifically address the underlying mechanisms of disease are the future of personalized cancer treatment. Our oncology teams are actively exploring a range of platforms to deliver targeted therapies, with a strategic focus on unlocking the significant potential of nanoparticles in cancer treatment. We view BIND’s targeted nanomedicines as a leading technology in this field."