Pierre Fabre Laboratories Acquires Worldwide Rights for PFL-721 and PFL-241
Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Pierre Fabre Laboratories
Pierre Fabre Laboratories, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic sectors, has announced the acquisition of global rights for two innovative EGFR inhibitors, PFL-721 and PFL-241, from Antares Therapeutics, a spinoff of Scorpion Therapeutics. Designed to address urgent medical needs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), these compounds hold significant promise as precision drugs. PFL-721 will soon enter a first-in-human study for dose optimization, targeting EGFR-exon-20 and HER2-exon-20 mutations. Meanwhile, PFL-241, a brain-penetrating fourth-generation inhibitor, is undergoing dose-escalation studies for C797S resistance mutations in NSCLC patients. This strategic acquisition expands Pierre Fabre's R&D portfolio, complementing its roster of precision medicines, including Exarafenib and PFL-002, to develop novel therapies for unmet needs in oncology and other therapeutic areas. The acquisition aligns with Pierre Fabre's commitment to advancing clinical development and enhancing its portfolio of assets in oncology and other focus areas.
Sectors
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotechnology
Geography
- France – Pierre Fabre Laboratories is based in Castres, France and is the acquiring company for the global rights of the cancer drugs.
- United States – Antares Therapeutics, the selling company for the drug rights, is a U.S.-based company, a spinoff of Scorpion Therapeutics.
Industry
- Pharmaceuticals – The acquisition of EGFR inhibitors for treating NSCLC places the focus on the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in drug development and oncology.
- Biotechnology – The development of mutations-specific drugs like PFL-721 and PFL-241 fits within the biotechnology field, highlighting advancements in molecular medicine.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Fabre Laboratories | Acquirer | Company | A leading French pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic company focused on oncology, dermatology, and other therapeutic areas. |
| Antares Therapeutics, Inc. | Seller | Company | A U.S.-based company, spun off from Scorpion Therapeutics, involved in developing novel cancer therapies. |
| Scorpion Therapeutics, Inc. | Parent company of seller | Company | An innovative biotechnology company focused on developing oncological therapies, Antares Therapeutics is its spinoff. |
| Francesco Hofmann | Head of Research and Development for Medical Care | Person | Responsible for overseeing the advancement of Pierre Fabre Laboratories' R&D portfolio and its clinical development efforts. |