FivePrime scores $495M cancer deal with Human Genome Sciences

Fresh off the approval of lupus drug Benlysta, red-hot Human Genome Sciences ($HGSI) is paying $50 million up front and up to $445 million in milestones to gain development rights for FivePrime's lead cancer candidate. FP-1039 is a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) ligand trap, which Xconomy describes as a genetically-engineered protein drug that prevents blood vessels from feeding tumors. The drug is in early-stage trials for a variety of cancers, and FivePrime is gearing up to start mid-stage trials of the drug for endometrial cancer.

HGS gets exclusive rights to develop and commercialize FP-1039 for all indications in the U.S., Canada and the EU, while FivePrime has an option to co-promote FP-1039 and any next-generation products in the U.S. The smaller developer has full development and commercialization rights in all regions not covered by HGS and will earn royalty payments on net sales.

"We are delighted to enter into this collaboration with HGS. It will significantly broaden the clinical plan for FP-1039, enabling us to address the multiple tumor types in which FP-1039 may have activity," said FivePrime CEO Julia Gregory. "This strategically important collaboration evidences the rapidly growing excitement surrounding novel oncology drugs."

- take a look at FivePrime's release
- get more from Xconomy