AbbVie Acquires Mavupharma to Expand Immuno-Oncology Pipeline Targeting the STING Pathway

July 16, 2019/BioValleyBIOON/--Biotechnology giant AbbVie recently announced the acquisition of Seattle-based Mavupharma, a privately held biopharmaceutical company focused on novel approaches targeting the STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) pathway to treat cancer by leveraging the innate immune system. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The STING signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the generation of tumor immune responses, and enhancing this pathway has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential across various tumor models. Stimulating the STING signaling pathway holds the potential to increaseTumorsusceptibility, thereby expanding treatment options for patients.

Currently, the STING signaling pathway has become an immuneTumora novel and hot target in the academic field, other companies involved in this target also include IFM Therapeutics, Nimbus Therapeutics, Aduro, Merck & Co.,Eli Lilly、Novartis、GlaxoSmithKline, Celgene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc.

STING Signaling Pathway in Anti-TumorPlays a central regulatory role in the immune response (Image source: Mavupharma website)

Mavupharma’s lead clinical candidate is MAVU-104, a first-in-class, orally active small-molecule ENPP1 inhibitor. ENPP1 is an enzyme involved in regulating the STING signaling pathway. Inhibition of ENPP1 activity by MAVU-104 enables highly controlled modulation without the need for injection.TumorEnhancement of STING signaling.

Steve Davidsen, Ph.D., Vice President of Oncology Discovery at AbbVie, stated: “AbbVie’s vision in oncology is to advance breakthrough science areas, thereby building a robust pipeline of innovative cancer therapies. Mavupharma’s technology platform has the potential to further deepen our immuno-Tumorlearning combinations, and help develop transformative medicines for patients.”(Bio Valley Bioon.com)

Original Source:AbbVie Enhances Early Stage Oncology Pipeline with Acquisition of Mavupharma