BMS Ends ADC Deal with Eisai Due to Portfolio Prioritisation

Bristol Myers Squibb has decided to terminate its collaboration with Eisai on the development of the antibody-drug conjugate farletuzumab ecteribulin. As a result of this portfolio prioritization effort, Eisai will now hold all rights to the folate receptor alpha (FRα)-targeting therapy and will proceed with its development independently.

The collaboration between the two pharmaceutical companies began in 2021, when Bristol Myers Squibb paid $650 million upfront to co-develop farletuzumab ecteribulin, which was then referred to as MORAb-202. The deal had the potential to exceed $3 billion. Farletuzumab ecteribulin combines Eisai's humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, farletuzumab, which targets FRα, with its anticancer agent Halaven (eribulin), using a specialized enzyme cleavable linker.

Currently, farletuzumab ecteribulin is being tested in Phase II clinical trials for non-small-cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, peritoneal cancer, and fallopian tube cancer. Additionally, it is undergoing a Phase I/II trial for various solid tumors. Following Bristol Myers Squibb's decision to exit the partnership, Eisai has announced plans to expedite the development of farletuzumab ecteribulin, making it a high-priority project.