United States-based AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) has acquired Seattle-based Mavupharma, it was reported yesterday.

Mavupharma is a company focused on novel approaches to target the STING (STimulator of INterferon Genes) pathway for the treatment of cancer. Its lead clinical candidate is MAVU-104, a first-in-class, orally active, small molecule inhibitor of ENPP1, an enzyme involved in the regulation of the STING pathway. Inhibiting ENPP1 activity with MAVU-104 allows for highly controlled enhancement of STING signalling in tumours without the need for injections.

Financial terms of the deal were not revealed.

Steve Davidsen, PhD, vice president of oncology discovery, AbbVie, said, 'AbbVie's vision in oncology is to advance breakthrough areas of science leading to a strong pipeline of innovative cancer therapies. Mavupharma's platform has the potential to further our immuno-oncology portfolio and assist in the development of transformative medicines for patients.'