AbbVie and Scripps Research, an international non-profit biomedical research and drug discovery firm, entered a collaboration to develop new therapies for a range of diseases, including in the therapeutic areas of oncology, immunology, neurology and fibrosis.
 
“Based on our strong switchable CAR-T alliance launched in 2018, we feel the expanded relationship with AbbVie represents a robust path forward for some of our programs, complementing a diverse ecosystem of innovation we’ve created over the past several years at Scripps to advance life-changing therapies,” said Peter Schultz, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Scripps Research and Calibr, its drug discovery division. 
 
In addition to programs initially named in the collaboration from preclinical to IND stages of development, Scripps Research will present to AbbVie a certain number of preclinical programs of mutual interest per year for consideration to be included in the collaboration. Scripps and AbbVie will also work together in parallel to advance CD3 bispecific against oncology targets nominated by AbbVie.
 
Under the terms of the license agreement, Scripps Research will continue to conduct preclinical research and development activities and, in some cases, Phase 1 clinical trials with AbbVie having an exclusive option to further develop and commercialize. 
 
Upon AbbVie’s decision to exercise its option to a given program, Scripps Research is eligible to receive additional payments from AbbVie, including option exercise fees, success-based development and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered royalties. AbbVie will make an undisclosed upfront payment, as well as a near-term milestone payment upon achievement of certain success criteria. 
 
“The best way to develop transformational medicines is through collaborations that bring together the brightest minds,” said Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., vice president and head of oncology early development, AbbVie. “This partnership with Scripps Research will collaboratively advance next generation programs, build stronger relationships with proven and emerging scientific leaders, and most importantly help us advance novel medicines for patients. We are eager to partner with Scripps on these assets as they enter the clinic over the next few years as Scripps has one of the strongest track records of any academic institution when it comes to advancing novel medicines for patients.”