US-based Scorpion Therapeutics Inc. has formed a collaboration and license deal with France-based Pierre Fabre, focusing on the co-development of Scorpion’s two potential therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), STX-721 and STX-241. Under the agreement, Pierre Fabre will be granted exclusive development and commercialization rights to these molecules in global territories excluding the US, Canada, and Japan, markets that Scorpion intends to retain.
Highly-Selective Next-Generation EGFR Inhibitors
Discovered in-house by Scorpion, STX-721 and STX-241 are both highly-selective next-generation mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, considered potential best-in-class EGFR inhibitors. Scorpion will lead the development of STX-721, which targets EGFR Exon 20 insertion mutants, while Pierre Fabre will take the lead on STX-241, targeting Exon 19 or 21 mutations with the co-occurring C797S mutation, a known resistance mechanism to third-generation EGFR inhibitors.
Financial Terms and Market Expansion
Scorpion is set to receive a USD 65 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to USD 553 million in further milestones, in addition to royalties on future sales. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of the two EGFR-targeted molecules in a broader range of markets, with a particular focus on Europe and Asia. China is highlighted as a key market, given that approximately 50% of NSCLC cases in the country are linked to EGFR mutations.
Potential First-In-Class Product and Market Significance
Notably, STX-241, targeting the “double mutation,” is a potential first-in-class product. Around 12.5% of NSCLC cases driven by Exon 19 or 21 mutations and treated with EGFR inhibitors develop a secondary resistance mutation at C797S5, according to the press release. This collaboration between Scorpion Therapeutics and Pierre Fabre signifies a significant step forward in addressing the unmet needs of NSCLC patients globally.-Fineline Info & Tech
