Partners to Develop and Market TNB-383B Antibody for Multiple Myeloma

The development and commercialization of TNB-383B — an anti-BCMA antibody for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma — is being advanced as part of a new collaboration between AbbVie, Teneobio, and its affiliate TeneoOne.

Under terms of the agreement, TeneoOne will continue to develop TNB-383B through Phase 1 clinical studies, after receiving an upfront payment of $90 million. After completion of early trials, AbbVie will have the opportunity to acquire TeneoOne and proceed with the global development and commercialization of TNB-383B.

“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,” Roland Buelow, CEO of Teneobio and TeneoOne, said in a press release.

TNB-383B is an engineered antibody that serves as a bridge between cancer and immune cells. The antibody has two targets — the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in myeloma cells and CD3 surface receptor in T-cells — to boost specific immune responses against cancer cells.

Preclinical findings, presented at the 2018 ASH annual meeting in December, showed that TNB-383B treatment effectively activates T-cells against BCMA-positive myeloma cells. Researchers found that the treatment prevented tumor growth and cleared myeloma cells in mice, but produced fewer inflammatory molecules than other dual antibodies, which can potentially reduce side effects.

Researchers have also tested the potential of TNB-383B in bone marrow samples from seven relapsed multiple myeloma patients. They observed a dose-dependent activation of the patients’ T-cells, accompanied by multiple myeloma cell death.

Teneobio has already filed an investigational new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in January 2019 to begin clinical testing of TNB-383B as treatment for multiple myeloma. The clinical program for this potential new immunotherapy is expected to launch in the first half of 2019.

“Developing novel targeted treatments for patients with cancer continues to be our key priority,” Mohit Trikha, PhD, vice president and head of oncology, early development, at AbbVie. “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.”