Genmab, J&J deal

Genmab will receive a $22 million milestone payment from Johnson & Johnson's Janssen Biotech Inc. unit under an August 2012 deal granting the unit exclusive, worldwide rights to daratumumab. The milestone, the second under the deal, was triggered by undisclosed progress in an ongoing Phase II trial in multiple myeloma (MM) patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including a proteasome inhibitor (PI) and an immunomodulatory agent (IMiD), or who are double refractory to a PI and an IMiD. The partners declined to disclose what specifically triggered the milestone. The human mAb against CD38 has breakthrough therapy designation and Fast Track designation in the U.S. for the indication. Under the deal, Genmab is eligible for up to $1 billion in milestones, plus tiered double-digit royalties (see BioCentury, Sept. 3, 2012; May 6, 2013 & Dec. 9, 2013). ...