Genmab Discontinues ADC from ProfoundBio Acquisition, Continues Development of Other Assets

Genmab, a prominent player in the biotechnology industry, has announced the discontinuation of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) acquired through its $1.8 billion purchase of ProfoundBio last year. The company cited an inadequate benefit-risk profile as the reason for halting the development of GEN1107, a protein tyrosine K 7 (PTK7)-targeted ADC that was being evaluated in a phase 1/2 cancer trial.

Clinical Trial Termination and Asset Review

The phase 1/2 trial for GEN1107, which enrolled 33 patients with advanced solid tumors including ovarian, endometrial, triple-negative breast, non-small cell lung, gastroesophageal, and urothelial cancers, was terminated on August 18, 2025. The study had commenced in January 2024, marking a relatively short clinical development period before its discontinuation.

Despite this setback, Genmab remains committed to advancing other investigational treatments obtained from the ProfoundBio acquisition. A company spokesperson confirmed that development continues for two other clinical candidates: rinatabart sesutecan (Rina-S) and GEN1160.

Ongoing Development of Key Assets

Rina-S, considered the star asset from the ProfoundBio deal, is an ADC designed to deliver a topoisomerase-1 (Topo1) inhibitor to cells expressing folate receptor alpha (FRα). This target is of particular interest in the treatment of ovarian cancer and other solid tumors, placing Genmab in competition with other major pharmaceutical companies like AbbVie, which recently acquired Immunogen for $10 billion to obtain the FRα-targeting drug Elahere.

Genmab is currently evaluating Rina-S in clinical trials for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, positioning it as a potential best-in-class treatment in these indications.

Additionally, GEN1160, a CD70-targeted ADC, is being tested in advanced renal cell carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The company is also continuing work on preclinical assets acquired from ProfoundBio, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging the full potential of its acquisition despite the setback with GEN1107.

Legal Challenges and Industry Competition

The pharmaceutical landscape surrounding these ADCs is not without controversy. AbbVie filed a lawsuit against Genmab in March, alleging that ProfoundBio used proprietary information from a former AbbVie scientist to develop its ADCs. The lawsuit specifically mentions both the discontinued GEN1107 and the ongoing Rina-S program.

AbbVie claims that Genmab was "intentionally and willfully blind" to the alleged theft of trade secrets. In response, Genmab has strongly refuted these claims and has vowed to "vigorously defend" itself against the allegations.

This legal battle underscores the intense competition and high stakes in the ADC market, particularly in the realm of targeted cancer therapies. As companies like Genmab and AbbVie vie for dominance in this space, the industry continues to watch closely for advancements in ADC technology and their potential impact on cancer treatment.