US drug firm Pfizer is linking with non-profit organization The California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) to develop new heart failure treatments.

Calibr said its antibody fusion technology offers a proprietary, modular approach to developing long-acting biotherapeutics based on peptide and protein agonists and antagonists.

Under terms of the deal, Pfizer can obtain an exclusive license to certain antibody-based therapeutic agents following Phase 1 clinical trials that Calibr will perform. If Pfizer takes the license, then it would be responsible for further development and commercialization.

The agreement also gives Pfizer a right of first negotiation for additional agents being developed by Calibr.

Full financial details were not disclosed, but Calibr will receive an upfront payment and additional milestone payments up to the completion of Phase 1 studies. If Pfizer decides to take a license, then Calibr will get further fees and milestone payments plus any tiered royalties on net sales.

Peter Schultz, chairman and president of Calibr, said heart disease continued to be a major medical burden on society as the development of new therapies has been challenging.

The move comes just days after Pfizer announced it was investing $46 million into four early-stage research companies as part of an expansion of its R&D strategy. The companies are exploring conditionally active biologics (CABs), immuno-oncology, neurodegenerative technologies and gene therapy.