Dr. Chris Boshoff, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)’s recently appointed chief oncology officer, disclosed in an interview with FiercePharma.com on the margins of the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference that the company is contemplating additional strategic deals, particularly in the realm of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), with a focus that may include Chinese firms. According to Boshoff, Pfizer’s significant appetite for ADCs remains unsatisfied following the $43 billion acquisition of Seagen, which concluded in December 2023. He noted that the company is “looking at opportunities from companies in the Far East now, and certainly also companies in China, which is important in this whole area, especially ADC development.”
Boshoff indicated that any prospective deal would likely be of a more modest scale given Pfizer’s recent substantial expenditure, suggesting that a licensing agreement could also be on the table. Pfizer and Seagen have already inked one ADC-focused deal with Chinese partners. In December 2023, just before the closure of Pfizer’s acquisition of Seagen, Seagen entered into an agreement with Nona Biosciences, a wholly-owned subsidiary of HBM Holdings Ltd (HKG: 2142), and Medilink Therapeutics. This global clinical development and commercialization rights deal for the mesothelin-targeted ADC HBM9033, co-developed by Nona and Medilink, included an upfront payment of $53 million and potential milestone payments of up to $1.05 billion.
Dr. Boshoff’s promotion to chief oncology officer from his previous role leading clinical research of oncology and rare disease products occurred in July 2023. He now reports directly to CEO Albert Bourla as part of a corporate restructuring in response to the Seagen acquisition. This restructuring has resulted in a unified oncology entity that integrates Seagen’s existing team and maintains a focus on the entire process from discovery to commercialization.- Flcube.com
