Pierre Fabre Laboratories Acquires Global Rights for PFL-721 and PFL-241
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Pierre Fabre Laboratories
Pierre Fabre Laboratories has acquired the global rights to PFL-721 and PFL-241 from Antares Therapeutics, an offshoot of Scorpion Therapeutics. These are EGFR mutant-specific inhibitors being developed as potential leading treatments for emerging unmet medical needs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PFL-721 targets exon 20 of both EGFR and HER2 specific mutants and will soon enter dosage optimization in a first-in-human NSCLC study. PFL-241 is a fourth-generation EGFR inhibitor targeting brain-penetrant mutations in a first-in-human dose-escalation study. Pierre Fabre aims to leverage this acquisition to enhance its oncology portfolio within its broader R&D efforts, including other assets like exarafenib and PFL-002. The announcement underscores the company's commitment to advancing precision medicine for major unmet patient needs.
Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
- Healthcare
Geography
- France – Pierre Fabre Laboratories, the acquiring company, is headquartered in France.
- United States – Antares Therapeutics, the selling company, and Scorpion Therapeutics are based in the United States.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals – The article involves Pierre Fabre Laboratories and its acquisition of rights for new drug candidates, PFL-721 and PFL-241, designed to treat non-small cell lung cancer.
- Biotechnology – The development of PFL-721 and PFL-241 as types of EGFR mutant-specific inhibitors pertains to the biotechnology industry.
- Healthcare – The focus on emerging and unmet medical needs in NSCLC treatment makes this relevant to the healthcare sector.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Fabre Laboratories | Acquiring Company | Company | A leading pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic company in Europe, focusing on oncology, dermatology, and other therapeutic areas. |
| Antares Therapeutics, Inc. | Selling Company | Company | A spin-off from Scorpion Therapeutics involved in the initial development of PFL-721 and PFL-241. |
| Scorpion Therapeutics, Inc. | R&D Partner | Company | A biotechnology company based in the US, from which Antares was spun off. |
| Francesco Hofmann | R&D Leader | Person | Head of Research and Development of Medical Care at Pierre Fabre Laboratories. |