Pierre Fabre Medicament has signed a collaborative research, development and license agreement with Merck & Co Inc for F50035, Pierre Fabre Medicament's recombinant humanized antibody targeted against the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) receptor. F50035 is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, both partners will participate in a three-year, renewable research programme aimed at completing characterization of the anti-tumour activity of F50035 and identifying back-up antibodies. Merck will be responsible for development and manufacturing of F50035.

Merck is receiving worldwide marketing rights for F50035 and related antibodies, with Pierre Fabre Medicament maintaining exclusive rights to commercialize the product in France and certain other French-speaking countries. Financial terms were not disclosed, a release from Merck said.

The IGF-1 receptor is over-expressed in many tumour types, including those of the colon, breast and prostate, and it therefore is a potential target for the development of oncology drugs. The monoclonal antibody F50035 exhibits a novel mechanism of action. By targeting the IGF-1 receptor, F50035 is internalized by tumour cells, causing those cells to die. F50035 may have potential for use as a mono-therapy or in conjunction with other drugs for the treatment of various cancers.

"This agreement with Merck underscores the relevance of our research approaches in this field, and demonstrates that innovation is not dependent upon the size of an organization," Jacques Kusmierek, Pierre Fabre Medicament's R & D director and president of the Pierre Fabre Research Institute said adding, "This collaborative research program enables researchers from the Pierre Fabre Immunology Centre to benefit from the exceptional human, scientific and technological environment of Merck, and has the potential to lead to the development of a novel and targeted new anticancer drug."

The Pierre Fabre Group, the second-largest independent laboratory in France, operates in the areas of ethical medicine, health products and dermo-cosmetics.