US-based ImmunoGen, Inc., a leader in the expanding field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of cancer, has entered into an exclusive collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company to develop and commercialise ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) in Japan.

ImmunoGen is to receive $34 million in upfront and near-term milestone payments and is eligible to receive potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments as well as double-digit royalties.

Under the terms of the collaboration and license agreement, ImmunoGen will receive a one-time, upfront payment and an additional payment upon conversion of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accelerated approval of ELAHERE in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC) to full approval.

ImmunoGen has retained exclusive production rights and will supply product for development and commercial use in Japan. In exchange, Takeda will receive an exclusive license to develop and commercialise ELAHERE in Japan and is responsible for all regulatory filings and obligations.

ELAHERE is a first-in-class ADC comprising a folate receptor alpha-binding antibody, cleavable linker, and the maytansinoid payload DM4, a potent tubulin inhibitor designed to kill the targeted cancer cells. It is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with folate receptor-alpha (FRα) positive, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer, who have received one to three prior systemic treatment regimens. Select patients for therapy based on an FDA-approved test.