AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) and US-based Calibr, the nonprofit drug discovery division of San Diego research institute Scripps Research, have unveiled a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing preclinical research. This partnership builds on previous work with Scripps that has already led to the development of several preclinical and early clinical drug candidates. Under the new agreement, Calibr will conduct preclinical research for a period of five years, receiving research option payments from AbbVie, who will have the first-exclusive option to develop and commercialize any candidates resulting from this work.
Financial Terms and Potential Milestones
If AbbVie exercises its option to a specific program, Calibr will be eligible to receive additional payments, including option exercise fees, success-based development, and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties on any future sales. The specific financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
Leveraging Calibr’s Cell Therapy Expertise
According to a notice from Scripps, the collaboration will particularly leverage Calibr’s capabilities in the cell therapy field. Calibr’s chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell platform is known for its ability to design CAR-Ts with enhanced safety, versatility, and efficacy. The platform utilizes a proprietary modular “switchable” CAR-T cell technology that employs antibody-based switch molecules to control activation and antigen specificity. This innovative technology also supports the development of ‘universal’ CAR-Ts, potentially revolutionizing the field of cell therapy.-Fineline Info & Tech
