Singapore, Oct. 29 -- Japan-based Astellas Pharma Inc. has entered into an exclusive option and license agreement for DAX-044, Audax's lead immuno-oncology AVIKINE(R) candidate.

Under the agreement, Astellas receives an exclusive option which, on exercise, will grant Astellas a worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize DAX-044. Audax has the option to co-fund and co-promote DAX-044 in Australia and New Zealand.

The agreement further strengthens Astellas' pipeline in Immuno-Oncology, one of the Primary Focuses of Astellas' R&D strategy and complements its portfolio of targeted immunotherapy approaches.

DAX-044 is an investigational, immune-targeted interleukin-12 (IL-12) antibody-cytokine fusion, designed with AVIKINE(...