AbbVie and Teneobio Announce a Strategic Transaction to Develop a New Treatment for Multiple Myeloma

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Feb 11, 2019, 08:00 ET

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. and MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 11, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), Teneobio, Inc. and its affiliate TeneoOne, Inc. announced today that they have entered a global strategic transaction to develop and commercialize TNB-383B, a BCMA-targeting immunotherapeutic for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma.

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) has emerged as an attractive target for multiple myeloma therapeutics. TNB-383B is a bispecific antibody that simultaneously targets BCMA and CD3, utilizing Teneobio's unique anti-CD3 platform. Through this dual targeting mechanism, TNB-383B is designed to direct the body's own immune system to target and kill BCMA expressing tumor cells. Teneobio is expected to begin the clinical program for TNB-383B in the first half of 2019.

Roland Buelow, CEO of Teneobio, Inc. and TeneoOne, Inc. added, "We are excited to partner with AbbVie on our first clinical candidate, TNB-383B, which targets BCMA using our unique T-cell redirecting platform. Combined with AbbVie's commitment to scientific advancement and bringing oncology products to the world-wide commercial market, we will be able to quickly progress the development of TNB-383B for patients in need."

"Developing novel targeted treatments for patients with cancer continues to be our key priority," said Mohit Trikha, Ph.D., vice president and head, oncology early development, AbbVie. "Multiple myeloma is one of the most common hematological cancers and an area of significant medical need. Teneobio's novel approach to T-cell redirection with TNB-383B has the potential to be a treatment option that may offer new hope for myeloma patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, TeneoOne will receive an upfront payment of $90 million and will continue developing TNB-383B through Phase 1. AbbVie will hold the exclusive right to acquire TeneoOne and lead subsequent global development and commercialization of TNB-383B. If AbbVie exercises its right to acquire TeneoOne, the former stockholders of TeneoOne will also be eligible for regulatory and commercial sales milestones.

About AbbVie

AbbVie is a global, research and development-based biopharmaceutical company committed to developing innovative advanced therapies for some of the world's most complex and critical conditions. The company's mission is to use its expertise, dedicated people and unique approach to innovation to markedly improve treatments across four primary therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, virology and neuroscience. In more than 75 countries, AbbVie employees are working every day to advance health solutions for people around the world. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

About Teneobio, Inc.
Teneobio, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing a new class of biologics, Human Heavy-Chain Antibodies (UniAbs™), for the treatments of cancer, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases. Teneobio's discovery platform, TeneoSeek, comprises genetically engineered animals (UniRat® and OmniFlic®), next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics and high-throughput vector assembly technologies. TeneoSeek rapidly identifies large numbers of unique binding molecules specific for therapeutic targets of interest. Versatile antibody variable domains (UniDabs™) derived from UniAbs™ can be assembled into multi-specific and multivalent therapeutic proteins, surpassing limitations of conventional antibody therapeutics. Teneobio's "plug-and-play" T-cell engaging platform includes a diverse set of anti-CD3 antibodies for therapeutics with optimal efficacy and reduced toxicity. Teneobio filed its first IND on its lead program, TNB-383B (anti-BCMAxCD3) for the treatment of multiple myeloma in January of 2019. The company has received funding from institutional investors, including Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sutter Hill Ventures. For more information, visit www.teneobio.com.

SOURCE AbbVie