Exelixis Looks To Early-Stage Option Rights As Low-Risk Pipeline Expansion Play

The maker of Cabometyx wants to expand its oncology pipeline via deal-making but is wary of the high attrition rate in cancer. Option deals with Cybrexa and Sairopa may avoid some of that risk.

Busy pace
Exelixis is maintaining a busy pace with Cabometyx and two new deals • Source: Shutterstock

Exelixis, Inc. has entered into a pair of R&D collaboration and option deals for early-stage cancer candidates that it claims could offer both a first-in-class opportunity with a peptide-drug conjugate and a best-in-class opportunity to target SIRP-alpha in immuno-oncology, part of a lower-risk business development strategy, management explained during its same-day third quarter earnings call.

On the 1 November Q3 earnings call, Exelixis CEO Michael Morrissey explained that his company is employing a business development...

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