French pharmaceutical group Pierre Fabre Laboratories has acquired the worldwide rights to two next-generation therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), strengthening its oncology research and development pipeline.
Pierre Fabre Laboratories announced today the acquisition of global rights to PFL-721 and PFL-241—formerly STX-721 and STX-241—from Antares Therapeutics, a spin-out of U.S.-based Scorpion Therapeutics. The two drugs, which target difficult-to-treat EGFR mutations in NSCLC, are currently in early-phase clinical trials and show best-in-class potential.
PFL-721 is a mutant-specific EGFR and HER2 exon 20 inhibitor nearing dose optimization in a first-in-human trial. PFL-241, a brain-penetrant 4th generation EGFR inhibitor designed to overcome C797S resistance mutations, is undergoing dose escalation trials.
NSCLC is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer, and EGFR mutations are among its most common molecular drivers, responsible for up to 38% of cases depending on geographic region. These mutations often confer resistance to existing treatments, underscoring the need for new targeted therapies.
“With this agreement, we now hold global rights to all the oncology assets in our R&D pipeline,” said Francesco Hofmann, Head of R&D for Medical Care at Pierre Fabre Laboratories. “Our goal is to develop differentiated precision medicines that address critical gaps in cancer treatment.”
The acquisition builds on Pierre Fabre’s existing collaboration with Scorpion Therapeutics and adds to its expanding oncology portfolio, which includes exarafenib and PFL-002. The company generated €520 million in oncology revenue in 2024, with 88% of sales from international markets.
Pierre Fabre Laboratories, headquartered in southwest France, is the second-largest dermo-cosmetics company globally and a prominent player in European pharmaceuticals. Nearly 90% of its products are manufactured in France, and the company invested €219 million in R&D in 2024—60% of which went to targeted oncology therapies.
With a unique ownership model—86% of its shares held by the Pierre Fabre Foundation and the remainder by employees—the company combines commercial success with a social mission. Proceeds from dividends fund healthcare programs in 22 of the world’s least developed countries.
