Triphase, Celgene extend deal for IV formulation of marizomib and bevacizumab for glioblastoma

As part of the supplemental deal, Triphase will receive additional development funds through a cost sharing arrangement with Celgene.

The deal will see Triphase control product development and retain all commercial rights to marizomib until and unless Celgene exercises its option to acquire the product from Triphase for an undisclosed payment.

If Celgene acquires the product, Triphase would then be eligible to receive regulatory and sales milestone payments.

Triphase founder, president and CEO Frank Stonebanks said: "We have made important progress in our existing collaboration with Celgene and are now expanding the collaboration with the addition of a new clinical study in a very high unmet medical need setting.

"This supplemental agreement with Celgene provides us with the resources to study the novel proteasome inhibitor marizomib and explore its potential to make a meaningful difference in the treatment of GBM."

Marizomib is a new, highly potent proteasome inhibitor that irreversibly targets and inhibits all three proteasome subunits, allowing for more durable and sustained responses.

The drug is being developed by Triphase in both intravenous and oral formulations as a potential proteasome inhibitor for hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.

Currently, Triphase is evaluating the IV formulation in an ongoing Phase II clinical trial in combination with dexamethasone in a highly refractory multiple myeloma population, including those refractory to carfilzomib.