French pharma firm Pierre Fabre has acquired several assets from the biotechnology company Igenica Biotherapeutics, based in Burlingame, CA. The agreement includes immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints that may reverse the resistance to existing immuno therapies. The most advanced asset is currently at preclinical stage and is expected to be administered to patients in the coming 2 to 3 years. The agreement also comprises a series of early discovery targets.

“This agreement is in line with recent collaborations signed by Pierre Fabre with biotechnology companies and academic laboratories in the fields of oncology and dermatology and confirms our research and development dynamic through external partners,” said Laurent Audoly, head of R&D, Pierre Fabre.

Frédéric Duchesne, pharmaceutical division chief executive officer at Pierre Fabre, said, “Pierre Fabre’s know-how in oncology is based on more than 30 years of experience. We have two recognized research and development centers with dedicated teams that work closely together to developing medicines for patients living with cancer. This new deal reinforces our position to participate in the revolution of targeted biotherapies and reinforce our commitment to bring substantial value to patients”.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pierre Fabre has acquired the full property of the assets.

“We are very pleased that Pierre Fabre will clinically develop Igenica’s most advanced immune oncology asset for patients suffering from cancer ”said Edward van der Horst, senior director of Igenica’s preclinical drug development.