Pfizer, Calibr enter into strategic collaboration
The collaboration will leverage Calibr’s proprietary antibody fusion technology to develop long-acting biotherapeutics based on peptide and protein agonists and antagonists.
Matt Tremblay, VP Strategic Alliances Calibr, told us the collaboration is representative of the company’s evolving model, as it is the first major deal in which the company will take the asset into human studies.
“It allows us to control the pace of the program independently,” added Tremblay.
As part of the agreement, Pfizer may exclusively license certain antibody-based therapeutic agents following Phase 1 clinical studies, which will be performed by Calibr.
If Pfizer chooses to go this route, it would be responsible for further development and commercialization of the product.
"This collaboration leverages Calibr's ability to progress the program rapidly through first-in-human studies and provides access to Pfizer's state-of-the-art therapeutic development capabilities," said Peter G. Schultz, PhD, Chairman and President of Calibr.
The studies will include both evaluation of safety and pharmacodynamics in healthy volunteers and patients with heart failure.
Calibr will receive an upfront payment and will be eligible for additional pre-exercise milestone payments leading up to the completion of Phase 1 clinical studies. Additionally, Pfizer receives first negotiation rights for additional therapeutic agents in development.
A suite of offerings
The collaboration is one of many Calibr hopes to establish, as the asset transfered to Pfizer is just one example in a suite of assets – all from the same platform technology.
Tremblay tells us the company has another ten molecules constructed from the same technology.
“We’re really happy that this deal validates this platform of molecules,” he added. “We’re looking forward to finding partners for the other assets from the same platform.”
