Pfizer Inc. announced an agreement with Puma Biotechnology, Inc. for the development and commercialization of neratinib, an investigational oral, multi-targeted inhibitor of the ErbB1 (EGFR), ErbB2 (HER2) and ErbB4 (HER4) kinases, being studied for the treatment of cancer.
Under the terms of the agreement, Puma will assume sole responsibility for global development and commercialization of neratinib. Pfizer will be entitled to receive payments upon Puma's achievement of certain development milestones for neratinib, as well as royalty payments for any sales of neratinib. Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Puma Biotechnology is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to in-licensing and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. The company was founded by Alan H. Auerbach, who previously served as founder, chief executive officer and president of Cougar Biotechnology, Inc., which was acquired by Johnson & Johnson in 2009.
"Oncology is a priority for Pfizer. We are actively prioritizing our oncology portfolio, which includes deciding which compounds to develop internally and which compounds we believe may have better opportunities for development externally. This strategic approach helps ensure that people living with cancer can potentially benefit from promising drugs, regardless of where they are developed," said Garry Nicholson, president and general manager, Pfizer Oncology. "Alan has an excellent track record in advancing important oncology compounds. We are pleased that Puma Biotechnology will continue the evaluation of neratinib in patients living with cancer."
About Neratinib
Neratinib is an investigational, orally administered, multi-targeted, irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that in the preclinical setting has been shown to target the ErbB1 (EGFR), ErbB2 (HER2) and ErbB4 (HER4) kinases. Neratinib is being studied in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant and advanced settings in HER2/ErbB2 positive breast cancer.
About Pfizer Oncology
Pfizer Oncology is committed to the discovery, investigation and development of innovative treatment options to improve the outlook for cancer patients worldwide. Our strong pipeline, one of the most robust in the industry, is studied with precise focus on identifying and translating the best scientific breakthroughs into clinical application for patients across a wide range of cancers. Pfizer Oncology has biologics and small molecules in clinical development and more than 100 clinical trials underway. By working collaboratively with academic institutions, individual researchers, cooperative research groups, governments, and licensing partners, Pfizer Oncology strives to cure or control cancer with breakthrough medicines, to deliver the right drug for each patient at the right time.
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