Additional research will be conducted on Bcl-2 family protein antagonists and VEGFR-targeted kinase inhibitors.
Abbott and Genentech formed a collaboration for the global research, development, and commercialization of two of Abbott’s investigational anticancer compounds.
The companies will work together on all aspects of further development and commercialization of ABT-263 and ABT-869. The firms will co-promote any resulting products in the U.S., while Abbott will commercialize the drugs outside the U.S.
Beyond those two compounds, scientists at the two companies will use their expertise to conduct additional follow-on research in the area of Bcl-2 family protein antagonists and VEGFR-targeted kinase inhibitors.
ABT-263, a Bcl-2 family protein antagonist, restores apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. ABT-869, a VEGFR-based multitargeted kinase inhibitor, suppresses tumor growth by preventing the growth of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with oxygen and nutrients and by inhibiting key angiogenic signaling pathways. Both compounds are currently in Phase I trials in a number of tumor types. Phase II studies for ABT-869 in several tumor types will begin this year.