Agenus Inc., an immunology company developing innovative treatments for cancers and other diseases, has acquired rights to antibodies targeting carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), a glycoprotein expressed on T cell and NK cell lymphocytes from Diatheva s.r.l., an Italian biotech company controlled by SOL S.p.A.
CEACAM1 is overexpressed in melanoma, bladder, lung, colon, pancreas, and gastric cancers and has been shown to modulate innate and adaptive immune suppression in pre-clinical studies. Antibodies targeting CEACAM1 are thought to have the potential to effectively treat cancer alone or in combination with other checkpoint modulator antibodies, including those in Agenus’ development pipeline.
“CEACAM1 is emerging as a powerful immune modulator, with significant evidence that blocking its interactions could strengthen immune cells’ attack on cancer,” said Robert Stein, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer of Agenus. “Diatheva’s anti-CEACAM1 monoclonal antibodies expand and complement our broad portfolio of checkpoint modulators and personalised cancer vaccines, with the potential to create best-in-class combination therapies for treating patients with cancer.”
Under the license agreement, Agenus receives exclusive, worldwide rights for development and commercialisation of CEACAM1 antibodies from Diatheva. Agenus is responsible for certain upfront, early development, clinical trial and regulatory milestone payments for the successful development of CEACAM1 antibodies totaling as much as $44 million. Diatheva is also eligible to receive additional sales milestones and royalties.
Professor Mauro Magnani, Ph.D., founder and scientific director of Diatheva, stated “Agenus’ proven immuno-oncology and development capabilities, represents an exciting opportunity for Diatheva’s most advanced human monoclonal antibodies. Agenus’ selection of our anti-CEACAM1 antibodies is indicative of the quality of Diatheva’s research and will support reinvestment in our company’s pipeline.”
Diatheva s.r.l., was founded in 2002 by researchers and angel investors as a spin off of the University of Urbino in Italy. In 2012 the SOL Group acquired a majority stake in Diatheva and has since continued to invest in the company’s operations.
SOL is an Italian multinational group which operates in Europe, Morocco, Turkey and India in two distinct sectors: the production, applied research and marketing of technical, pure and medicinal gases and in respiratory home care.