Arvinas amends collaboration with Pfizer

US biotech Arvinas (Nasdaq: ARVN) today provided an update on its 2021 collaboration with pharma giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) for the co-development of vepdegestrant, an investigational oral PROTAC (PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera) estrogen receptor protein degrader.

Arvinas and Pfizer have jointly agreed to out-license the commercialization rights to vepdegestrant to a third party. Together, the companies have begun seeking a partner with the capabilities and expertise to maximize the commercial potential of vepdegestrant, if approved, for patients with ESR1-mutant, ER+/HER2- advanced or metastatic breast cancer and potentially develop vepdegestrant in new settings. The companies are aligned in their belief that finding a third-party commercial partner is the best path forward to unlock the full value of vepdegestrant and ensure vepdegestrant is available promptly if approved for use by regulatory authorities.

“Today’s announcement further supports our goal to bring vepdegestrant to patients and we are confident that vepdegestrant’s differentiated profile will attract interest from potential partners seeking to strengthen their oncology portfolios,” said John Houston, Arvinas chairman, chief executive and president. “We and Pfizer remain committed to the metastatic breast cancer community and believe vepdegestrant has the potential to be a best-in-class therapeutic option in the second-line ESR1 mutant setting,” he added.