Arnold & Porter Advises Sanofi on Seagen Collaboration to Develop Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugates

Arnold & Porter advised Sanofi on its exclusive collaboration with Nasdaq-listed biotech Seagen Inc. to design, develop and commercialize antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for up to three cancer targets. ADCs are antibodies engineered to deliver potent anticancer drugs to tumor cells expressing a specific protein. Sanofi currently has one ADC in development.

The collaboration will utilize Sanofi's proprietary monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology and Seagen's proprietary ADC technology. Both companies will co-fund global development activities and share equally in any future profits. Additionally, Sanofi will make an undisclosed payment to Seagen for each of the three targets as they are selected. The first target under the collaboration has already been designated.

The deal team included partner Aaron Gardner and senior associate Danielle Henderson.