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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)
Registration No. 333-165981

PROSPECTUS

GRAPHIC

$125,000,000
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
WARRANTS
UNITS



        This prospectus will allow us to issue, from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to the time of the offering, up to $125,000,000 of any combination of the securities described in this prospectus, either individually or in units. We may also offer common stock or preferred stock upon conversion of the debt securities, common stock upon conversion of the preferred stock, or common stock, preferred stock or debt securities upon the exercise of warrants. We will provide you with specific terms of any offering in one or more supplements to this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as any documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, carefully before you invest.



        Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "IMGN." On April 21, 2010, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $9.73 per share. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, on The Nasdaq Global Market or any securities market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the applicable prospectus supplement. Prospective purchasers of our securities are urged to obtain current information as to the market prices of our securities, where applicable.



        Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding whether to invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the risks that we have described on page 5 of this prospectus under the caption "Risk Factors." We may include specific risk factors in supplements to this prospectus under the caption "Risk Factors." This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell our securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

        Our securities may be sold directly by us to investors, through agents designated from time to time or to or through underwriters or dealers. For additional information on the methods of sale, you should refer to the section entitled "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus. If any underwriters are involved in the sale of our securities with respect to which this prospectus is being delivered, the names of such underwriters and any applicable commissions or discounts and over-allotment options will be set forth in a prospectus supplement. The price to the public of such securities and the net proceeds that we expect to receive from such sale will also be set forth in a prospectus supplement.



        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



The date of this prospectus is April 22, 2010.


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 
2

RISK FACTORS

 
5

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
5

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
6

USE OF PROCEEDS

 
6

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 
7

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

 
8

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
8

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

 
10

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

 
16

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

 
17

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS LAW AND OF THE COMPANY'S ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND BY-LAWS

 
18

LEGAL MATTERS

 
20

EXPERTS

 
20

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 
20

INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

 
20

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may offer shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in units, in one or more offerings, with a total value of up to $125,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering.

        This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For a more complete understanding of the offering of the securities, you should refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. However, no prospectus supplement will offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness. This prospectus, together with the applicable prospectus supplements and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, includes all material information relating to this offering. You should carefully read this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplements, the information and documents incorporated herein by reference and the additional information under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" before making an investment decision.

        You should rely only on the information we have provided or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. No dealer, salesperson or other person is authorized to give any information or to represent anything not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You must not rely on any unauthorized information or representation. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, but only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. You should assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate only as of the date on the front of the document and that any information we have incorporated herein by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or any sale of a security.

        We further note that the representations, warranties and covenants made by us in any agreement that is filed as an exhibit to any document that is incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus were made solely for the benefit of the parties to such agreement, including, in some cases, for the purpose of allocating risk among the parties to such agreements, and should not be deemed to be a representation, warranty or covenant to you. Moreover, such representations, warranties or covenants were accurate only as of the date when made. Accordingly, such representations, warranties and covenants should not be relied on as accurately representing the current state of our affairs.

        This prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities, unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement. To the extent there are inconsistencies between any prospectus supplement, this prospectus and any documents incorporated by reference, the document with the most recent date will control.

        Unless the context otherwise requires, "ImmunoGen," "the Company," "we," "us," "our" and similar names refer to ImmunoGen, Inc. and our subsidiaries.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        The following is a summary of what we believe to be the most important aspects of our business and the offering of our securities under this prospectus. We urge you to read this entire prospectus, including the more detailed consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated financial statements and other information incorporated by reference from our other filings with the SEC or included in any applicable prospectus supplements. Investing in our securities involves risks. Therefore, carefully consider the risk factors in any prospectus supplements and in our most recent annual and quarterly filings with the SEC, as well as other information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplements and the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein, before purchasing our securities. Each of the risk factors could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities.

About ImmunoGen, Inc.

        Since our inception, we have been principally engaged in the development of novel, targeted therapeutics for the treatment of cancer using our expertise in cancer biology, manufactured antibodies and small-molecule cytotoxic, or cell-killing, agents. Our Targeted Antibody Payload, or TAP, technology uses antibodies to deliver a potent cytotoxic agent specifically to cancer cells to minimize damage to healthy tissue. A TAP compound consists of a tumor-targeting manufactured antibody with one of our proprietary cell-killing agents attached using one of our engineered linkers. The antibody component enables a TAP compound to bind specifically to cancer cells that express a particular target antigen, the highly potent cytotoxic agent serves to kill the cancer cell, and the engineered linker controls the release of the cytotoxic agent inside the cancer cell. We use our expertise and proprietary technologies to develop targeted anticancer compounds for our own product pipeline. We also establish partnerships with other companies around our TAP technology and antibody expertise.

        The most advanced TAP compound is T-DM1, which is also known as trastuzumab-DM1. T-DM1 is in advanced clinical testing for the treatment of HER2+ metastatic breast cancer through our collaboration with Genentech, Inc., a wholly owned member of the Roche Group, which licensed the exclusive right to use certain of our cell-killing agents with antibodies that target HER2. Three other TAP compounds—SAR3419, BT-062, BIIB015—are in early clinical testing through our collaborations with sanofi-aventis, Biotest AG and Biogen Idec Inc., respectively.

        Our lead wholly owned drug candidate is lorvotuzumab mertansine, or IMGN901, which is a TAP compound in early clinical testing for the treatment of CD-56-expressing cancers, including small-cell lung cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer and multiple myeloma. Our earlier-stage drug candidate, IMGN388, is a TAP compound in initial clinical testing for the treatment of any array of solid tumors. We have a number of targeted, antibody-based compounds in our research pipeline.

        We were organized as a Massachusetts corporation in March 1981. Our principal offices are located at 830 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451, and our telephone number is (781) 895-0600. We maintain a web site at www.immunogen.com, where certain information about us is available. Please note that the information contained on the website is not a part of this document.

        Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to such reports are made available free of charge through the "Investor Information" section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been filed or furnished with the SEC. We have adopted a Code of Corporate Conduct that applies to all our directors, officers and employees and a Code of Ethics that applies to our senior officers and financial personnel. Our Code of Corporate Conduct and Senior Officer and Financial Personnel Code of Ethics are available free of charge through the "Investor Information" section of our website.

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Offerings Under This Prospectus

        Under this prospectus, we may offer shares of our common stock and preferred stock, various series of debt securities and/or warrants to purchase any of such securities, either individually or in units, with a total value of up to $125,000,000, from time to time at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the time of offering. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer a type or series of securities under this prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices and other important terms of the securities, including, to the extent applicable:

        The prospectus supplement also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus or in documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus. However, no prospectus supplement will fundamentally change the terms that are set forth in this prospectus or offer a security that is not registered and described in this prospectus at the time of its effectiveness.

        This prospectus may not be used to consummate a sale of any securities unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

        We may sell the securities directly to investors or to or through agents, underwriters or dealers. We, and our agents or underwriters, reserve the right to accept or reject all or part of any proposed purchase of securities. If we offer securities through agents or underwriters, we will include in the applicable prospectus supplement:

        We may issue shares of our common stock from time to time. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably any dividends that may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for that purpose. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock then outstanding.

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        We may issue shares of our preferred stock from time to time, in one or more series. Our board of directors may determine the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, preemptive rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms and the number of shares constituting any series or the designation of any series. Convertible preferred stock will be convertible into our common stock. Conversion may be mandatory or at your option and would be at prescribed conversion rates.

        If we sell any series of preferred stock under this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements, we will fix the rights, preferences, privileges, qualifications and restrictions of the preferred stock of such series in the certificate of amendment to our certificate of incorporation or the certificate of designation relating to that series. We will file as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, the form of any certificate that describes the terms of the series of preferred stock we are offering before the issuance of the related series of preferred stock. We urge you to read the prospectus supplements related to the series of preferred stock being offered, as well as the complete certificate that contains the terms of the applicable series of preferred stock.

        We may offer debt securities from time to time, in one or more series, as either senior or subordinated debt or as senior or subordinated convertible debt. The senior debt securities will rank equally with any other unsecured and unsubordinated debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. Convertible debt securities will be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. Conversion may be mandatory or at your option and would be at prescribed conversion rates.

        The debt securities will be issued under one or more documents called indentures, which are contracts between us and a national banking association or other eligible party, as trustee. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the debt securities. We urge you, however, to read the prospectus supplements related to the series of debt securities being offered, as well as the complete indentures that contain the terms of the debt securities. Forms of indentures have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and supplemental indentures and forms of debt securities containing the terms of the debt securities being offered will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or will be incorporated by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, as applicable.

        We may issue warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities, in one or more series. We may issue warrants independently or together with common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities, and the warrants may be attached to or separate from these securities. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the warrants. We urge you, however, to read the prospectus supplements related to the particular series of warrants being offered, as well as the warrant agreements and warrant certificates that contain the terms of the warrants. Forms of the warrant agreements and forms of warrant certificates containing the terms of the warrants being offered will be filed as exhibits to amendments to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will be incorporated by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, as applicable.

        We may evidence each series of warrants by warrant certificates that would issue under a separate agreement that we may enter into with a warrant agent. Each warrant agent, if one is appointed, will

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be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the warrant agent, if one is appointed, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of warrants.

        We may issue units consisting of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the units. We urge you, however, to read the prospectus supplements related to the series of units being offered, as well as the unit agreements that contain the terms of the units. We will file as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, the form of unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that describe the terms of the series of units we are offering before the issuance of the related series of units.


RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our securities involves risk. The prospectus supplement applicable to each offering of our securities will contain a discussion of the risks applicable to an investment in us. Prior to making a decision about investing in our securities, you should carefully consider the specific factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the applicable prospectus supplement, together with all of the other information contained or incorporated by reference in the prospectus supplement or appearing or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should also consider the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" included in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, which is on file with the SEC and is incorporated herein by reference, and which may be amended, supplemented or superseded from time to time by other reports we file with the SEC in the future. The risks and uncertainties we have described are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our operations.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        We did not record earnings for any of the years ended June 30, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 or 2005 or for the six months ended December 31, 2009. Accordingly, our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges in such periods and we are unable to disclose a ratio of earnings to fixed charges. The following table sets forth, for each of the periods presented, the dollar amount of the deficiency of earnings available to cover fixed charges. For purposes of computing the deficiency of earnings to cover fixed charges, "earnings" consist of loss from operations before income taxes and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of the estimated portion of operating lease expense that represents interest.

 
   
  Year Ended June 30,  
 
  Six Months Ended
December 31,
2009
 
In thousands
  2009   2008   2007   2006   2005  

Deficiency of Earnings to Cover Fixed Charges

  $ 25,545   $ 32,037   $ 31,993   $ 18,952   $ 17,817   $ 10,922  
                           

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        The SEC encourages companies to disclose forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company's future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This prospectus and the documents we have filed with the SEC that are incorporated herein by reference contain such "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

        Words such as "may," "anticipate," "estimate," "expects," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes" and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent management's present judgment regarding future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding our preclinical studies, our ability to conduct clinical trials of our product candidates and the results of such trials, as well as risks and uncertainties relating to litigation, government regulation and third-party reimbursement, economic conditions, markets, products, competition, intellectual property, services and prices, key employees, future capital needs, dependence on our collaborators and other factors. Please also see the discussion of risks and uncertainties under "Risk Factors" contained in this prospectus and in any supplements to this prospectus and in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as revised or supplemented by our most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as any amendments thereto, as filed with the SEC and which are incorporated herein by reference.

        In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus or in any document incorporated herein by reference might not occur. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent forward-looking statements attributable to us or to any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        We cannot assure you that we will receive any proceeds in connection with securities offered pursuant to this prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we intend to use any net proceeds from the sale of securities under this prospectus for our operations and for other general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, development of our clinical and preclinical product candidates, intellectual property protection and enforcement, capital expenditures, investments and acquisitions. Pending use of the net proceeds as described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds in accordance with our investment policy guidelines, which currently provide for investment of funds in cash equivalents, short-term high-quality highly liquid investment funds, United States government obligations, high grade and corporate notes and commercial paper.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may offer securities under this prospectus from time to time pursuant to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions, block trades or a combination of these methods. We may sell the securities (1) through underwriters or dealers, (2) through agents or (3) directly to one or more purchasers, or through a combination of such methods. We may distribute the common stock from time to time in one or more transactions at:

        We may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities being offered by this prospectus. We may also designate agents to solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. We will name in a prospectus supplement any underwriter or agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities.

        If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will sell the securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the time of resale.

        If we utilize an underwriter in the sale of the securities being offered by this prospectus, we will execute an underwriting agreement with the underwriter at the time of sale, and we will provide the name of any underwriter in the prospectus supplement which the underwriter will use to make resales of the securities to the public. In connection with the sale of the securities, we, or the purchasers of the securities for whom the underwriter may act as agent, may compensate the underwriter in the form of underwriting discounts or commissions. The underwriter may sell the securities to or through dealers, and the underwriter may compensate those dealers in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.

        With respect to underwritten public offerings, negotiated transactions and block trades, we will provide in the applicable prospectus supplement any compensation we pay to underwriters, dealers or agents in connection with the offering of the securities, and any discounts, concessions or commissions allowed by underwriters to participating dealers. Underwriters, dealers and agents participating in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and any discounts and commissions received by them and any profit realized by them on resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions. We may enter into agreements to indemnify underwriters, dealers and agents against civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments they may be required to make in respect thereof.

        Shares of our common stock sold pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part will be authorized for quotation and trading on The Nasdaq Global Market. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain information, where applicable, as to any other listing, if any, on The Nasdaq Global Market or any securities market or other securities exchange of the securities covered by the prospectus supplement. To facilitate the offering of the securities, certain persons participating in the offering may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities. This may include over-allotments or short sales of the securities, which involve the sale by persons participating in the offering of more securities than we sold to them. In these circumstances, these persons would cover such over-allotments or short positions by making purchases in the open market or by exercising their over-allotment option. In addition, these persons may stabilize or maintain the price of the securities by bidding for or purchasing the applicable security in the open market or by imposing penalty bids, whereby selling concessions allowed to dealers participating in the offering may be reclaimed if the securities sold by them are repurchased in connection with stabilization transactions. The effect of these transactions may be to stabilize or maintain the market price of the securities at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. These transactions may be discontinued at any time.

        The underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in other transactions with us, or perform other services for us, in the ordinary course of their business.

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DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

        We are authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. On April 21, 2010, we had 57,460,926 shares of common stock outstanding and approximately 510 shareholders of record.

        The following summary of certain provisions of our common stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our restated articles of organization and our amended and restated by-laws, both of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement we have filed with the SEC in connection with this offering. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.

General

        Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders, and do not have cumulative voting rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividend payments. All shares of common stock outstanding as of the date of this prospectus and, upon issuance and sale, all shares of common stock that we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, will be fully paid and nonassessable. The holders of common stock have no preferences or rights of conversion, exchange, pre-emption or other subscription rights. There are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, holders of common stock will be entitled to share ratably in our assets that are remaining after payment or provision for payment of all of our debts and obligations and after liquidation payments to holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock, if any.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Mellon Investor Services, LLC.

The Nasdaq Global Market

        Our common stock is listed for quotation on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "IMGN." On April 21, 2010, the last reported sale price of our common stock was $9.73 per share.


DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

        We are authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. As of April 21, 2010, no shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding. The following summary of certain provisions of our preferred stock does not purport to be complete. You should refer to our restated articles of organization and our amended and restated by-laws, both of which are included as exhibits to the registration statement we have filed with the SEC in connection with this offering. The summary below is also qualified by provisions of applicable law.

General

        Our board of directors may, without further action by our shareholders, from time to time, direct the issuance of shares of preferred stock in series and may, at the time of issuance, determine the rights, preferences and limitations of each series, including voting rights, dividend rights and redemption and liquidation preferences. Satisfaction of any dividend preferences of outstanding shares of preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available for the payment of dividends on shares of our common stock. Holders of shares of preferred stock may be entitled to receive a preference payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company before any payment is made to the holders of shares of our common stock. In some circumstances, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may render more difficult or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy

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contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management. Upon the affirmative vote of our board of directors, without shareholder approval, we may issue shares of preferred stock with voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of shares of our common stock.

        If we offer a specific series of preferred stock under this prospectus, we will describe the terms of the preferred stock in the prospectus supplement for such offering and will file a copy of the certificate establishing the terms of the preferred stock with the SEC. To the extent required, this description will include:

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The following description, together with the additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplements, summarizes the material terms and provisions of the debt securities that we may offer under this prospectus. While the terms we have summarized below will apply generally to any future debt securities we may offer pursuant to this prospectus, we will describe the particular terms of any debt securities that we may offer in more detail in the applicable prospectus supplement. If we so indicate in a prospectus supplement, the terms of any debt securities we offer under that prospectus supplement may differ from the terms we describe below, and to the extent the terms set forth in a prospectus supplement differ from the terms described below, the terms set forth in the prospectus supplement shall control.

        We may sell from time to time, in one or more offerings under this prospectus, debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated. We will issue any such senior debt securities under a senior indenture that we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the senior indenture. We will issue any such subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture, which we will enter into with a trustee to be named in the subordinated indenture. We have filed forms of these documents as exhibits to the registration statement, which includes this prospectus. We use the term "indentures" to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture. The indentures will be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as in effect on the date of the indenture, or the Trust Indenture Act. We use the term "debenture trustee" to refer to either the trustee under the senior indenture or the trustee under the subordinated indenture, as applicable.

        The following summaries of material provisions of the senior debt securities, the subordinated debt securities and the indentures are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the indenture applicable to a particular series of debt securities.

General

        Each indenture provides that debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series and may be denominated and payable in United States dollars or foreign currencies or units based on or relating to United States dollars or foreign currencies, including euros. Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities that may be issued thereunder, and each indenture provides that the specific terms of any series of debt securities shall be set forth in, or determined pursuant to, an authorizing resolution and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating to such series.

        We will describe in each prospectus supplement the following terms relating to a series of debt securities:

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        We may issue debt securities that provide for an amount less than their stated principal amount to be due and payable upon declaration of acceleration of their maturity pursuant to the terms of the indenture. We will provide you with information on the federal income tax considerations and other special considerations applicable to any of these debt securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Conversion or Exchange Rights

        We will set forth in the prospectus supplement the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock or our other securities. We will include provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder or at our option. We may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our common stock or our other securities that the holders of the series of debt securities receive would be subject to adjustment.

Consolidation, Merger or Sale; No Protection in Event of a Change of Control or Highly Leveraged Transaction

        The indentures may not contain any covenant that restricts our ability to merge or consolidate, or sell, convey, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. However, any successor to or acquirer of such assets will be required to assume all of our obligations under the indentures or the debt securities, as appropriate.

        Unless we state otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change of control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change of control), which could adversely affect holders of debt securities.

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Events of Default Under the Indenture

        The following will be events of default under the indentures with respect to any series of debt securities that we may issue:

        No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. The occurrence of an event of default may constitute an event of default under any bank credit agreements we may have in existence from time to time. In addition, the occurrence of certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may constitute an event of default under certain of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

        If an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing, then the trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by a notice in writing to us (and to the debenture trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all debt securities of that series. Before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained with respect to debt securities of any series, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) may rescind and annul the acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, with respect to debt securities of that series, have been cured or waived as provided in the applicable indenture (including payments or deposits in respect of principal, premium or interest that had become due other than as a result of such acceleration). We refer you to the prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities that are discount securities for the particular provisions relating to acceleration of a portion of the principal amount of such discount securities upon the occurrence of an event of default.

        Subject to the terms of the indentures, if an event of default under an indenture shall occur and be continuing, the debenture trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under such indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the applicable series of debt securities, unless such holders have offered the debenture trustee reasonable indemnity. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the

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debenture trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the debenture trustee, with respect to the debt securities of that series, provided that:

        A holder of the debt securities of any series will only have the right to institute a proceeding under the indentures or to appoint a receiver or trustee, or to seek other remedies if:

        These limitations will not apply to a suit instituted by a holder of debt securities if we default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on, the debt securities.

        We will periodically file statements with the applicable debenture trustee regarding our compliance with specified covenants in the applicable indenture.

Modification of Indenture; Waiver

        The debenture trustee and we may change the applicable indenture without the consent of any holders with respect to specific matters, including:

        In addition, under the indentures, the rights of holders of a series of debt securities may be changed by us and the debenture trustee with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) that is affected. However, the debenture trustee and we may make the following changes only with the consent of each holder of any outstanding debt securities affected:

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        Except for certain specified provisions, the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series (or, at a meeting of holders of such series at which a quorum is present, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting) may on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series waive our compliance with provisions of the indenture. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may on behalf of the holders of all the debt securities of such series waive any past default under the indenture with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of, premium or any interest on any debt security of that series or in respect of a covenant or provision, which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of the series affected; provided, however, that the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may rescind an acceleration and its consequences, including any related payment default that resulted from the acceleration.

Discharge

        Each indenture will provide that we can elect to be discharged from our obligations with respect to one or more series of debt securities, except for obligations to:

        In order to exercise our rights to be discharged with respect to a series, we will have to deposit with the trustee money or government obligations sufficient to pay all the principal of, any premium, if any, and interest on, the debt securities of the series on the dates payments are due.

Form, Exchange, and Transfer

        We will issue the debt securities of each series only in fully registered form without coupons and, unless we otherwise specify in the applicable prospectus supplement, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. The indentures provide that we may issue debt securities of a series in temporary or permanent global form and as book-entry securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, The Depository Trust Company or another depositary named by us and identified in a prospectus supplement with respect to that series.

        At the option of the holder, subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities described in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holder of the debt securities of any series can exchange the debt securities for other debt securities of the same series, in any authorized denomination and of like tenor and aggregate principal amount.

        Subject to the terms of the indentures and the limitations applicable to global securities set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders of the debt securities may present the debt securities for exchange or for registration of transfer, duly endorsed or with the form of transfer endorsed thereon duly executed if so required by us or the security registrar, at the office of the security registrar or at the office of any transfer agent designated by us for this purpose. Unless otherwise provided in

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the debt securities that the holder presents for transfer or exchange or in the applicable indenture, we will make no service charge for any registration of transfer or exchange, but we may require payment of any taxes or other governmental charges.

        We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement the security registrar, and any transfer agent in addition to the security registrar, that we initially designate for any debt securities. We may at any time designate additional transfer agents or rescind the designation of any transfer agent or approve a change in the office through which any transfer agent acts, except that we will be required to maintain a transfer agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of each series.

        If we elect to redeem the debt securities of any series, we will not be required to:

Information Concerning the Debenture Trustee

        The debenture trustee other than during the occurrence and continuance of an event of default under the applicable indenture, will undertake to perform only those duties as are specifically set forth in the applicable indenture. Upon an event of default under an indenture, the debenture trustee under such indenture must use the same degree of care as a prudent person would exercise or use in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the debenture trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers given it by the indentures at the request of any holder of debt securities unless it is offered reasonable security and indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that it might incur.

Payment and Paying Agents

        Unless we indicate otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, on any interest payment date, we will pay the interest on any debt securities to the person in whose name such debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

        We will pay principal of and any premium and interest on the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, will we make interest payments by check which we will mail to the holder. Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the debenture trustee in the City of New York as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series. We will maintain a paying agent in each place of payment for the debt securities of a particular series.

        All money we pay to a paying agent or the debenture trustee for the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any debt securities which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable will be repaid to us, and the holder of the security thereafter may look only to us for payment thereof.

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Governing Law

        The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, except to the extent that the Trust Indenture Act is applicable.

Subordination of Subordinated Debt Securities

        Our obligations pursuant to any subordinated debt securities will be unsecured and will be subordinate and junior in priority of payment to certain of our other indebtedness to the extent described in a prospectus supplement. The subordinated indenture does not limit the amount of senior indebtedness we may incur. It also does not limit us from issuing any other secured or unsecured debt.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

        We may issue warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series together with other securities or separately, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Below is a description of certain general terms and provisions of the warrants that we may offer. Particular terms of the warrants will be described in the warrant agreements and the prospectus supplement to the warrants.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will contain, where applicable, the following terms of and other information relating to the warrants:

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DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

        We may issue units consisting of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities and/or warrants for the purchase of common stock, preferred stock and/or debt securities in one or more series. In this prospectus, we have summarized certain general features of the units. We urge you, however, to read the prospectus supplements related to the series of units being offered, as well as the unit agreements that contain the terms of the units. We will file as exhibits to an amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, or will incorporate by reference from a current report on Form 8-K that we file with the SEC, as applicable, the form of unit agreement and any supplemental agreements that describe the terms of the series of units we are offering before the issuance of the related series of units.

        We may evidence each series of units by unit certificates that would issue under a separate agreement that we may enter into with a unit agent. Each unit agent, if one is appointed, will be a bank or trust company that we select. We will indicate the name and address of the unit agent, if one is appointed, in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of units.

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CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF MASSACHUSETTS LAW AND OF THE COMPANY'S
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION AND BY-LAWS

Anti-Takeover Provisions under Massachusetts law and our Massachusetts Articles of Organization and By-laws

        Provisions of Massachusetts law and our restated articles of organization and amended and restated by-laws contain other provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of the board of directors and which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a future takeover or change in control of our company unless such takeover or change in control is approved by our board of directors.

        These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging these proposals because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

        Massachusetts statutory business combinations provisions.    We are subject to Chapter 110F of the Massachusetts General Laws, an anti-takeover law. In general, this statute prohibits a publicly-held Massachusetts corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person becomes an interested stockholder, unless (i) the interested stockholder obtains the approval of the board of directors prior to becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) the interested stockholder acquires 90% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by certain affiliates of the corporation) at the time it becomes an interested stockholder, or (iii) the business combination is approved by both the board of directors and the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation (excluding shares held by the interested stockholder). Generally, an 'interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or at any time within the prior three years did own) 5% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. A "business combination" includes a merger, a stock or asset sale, and certain other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested shareholders.

        Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110D, entitled "Regulation of Control Share Acquisitions," in general provides that any shareholder of a company subject to this statute who acquires 20% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a company may not vote such stock unless the shareholders of the company so authorize. Although our amended and restated by-laws currently exclude us from this statute, the board of directors may amend our by-laws to subject us to this statute prospectively.

        Chapter 110C of the Massachusetts General Laws requires the person commencing a takeover bid to file certain information with the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the target company and provides that a bidder who fails to disclose its intent to gain control over a target corporation prior to acquiring 5% of the target company's stock is precluded from making any takeover bid for a period of one year after crossing the 5% threshold.

        Blank check preferred stock.    Our restated article of organization allows our board of directors to issue shares of preferred stock without the approval of our shareholders, so called "blank check" preferred stock. The effects of such issuance, among other things, could include the dilution in the voting power of our common stock if the preferred stock has voting rights and the reduction or restriction in the rights of holders of our common stock to receive a payment in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our company. In some circumstances, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may render more difficult or expensive or tend to discourage a merger, tender offer or proxy contest, the assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our securities or the removal of incumbent management. In addition, the board of directors could also utilize the shares of preferred

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stock in order to adopt a shareholder rights plan, or "poison pill," which could have the effect of discouraging or delaying a takeover of the company.

        Advance notice provisions for shareholder proposals and shareholder nominations of directors.    Our amended and restated by-laws provide that, for nominations to the board of directors or for other business to be properly brought by a shareholder before a meeting of shareholders, the shareholder must first have given timely notice of the proposal in writing to our Secretary. For an annual meeting, a shareholder's notice generally must be delivered not less than 45 days nor more than 75 days prior to the anniversary of the mailing date of the proxy statement for the previous year's annual meeting. For special meetings called to elect directors, a shareholder's notice must generally be delivered not less than 60 days (or ten days after public disclosure of the meeting date if later) nor more than 90 days prior to the meeting. Detailed requirements as to the form of the notice and information required in the notice are specified in the amended and amended and restated by-laws. If it is determined that business was not properly brought before a meeting in accordance with our amended and restated by-laws, such business will not be conducted at the meeting. Although our by-laws do not give our board of directors the power to approve or disapprove shareholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, our by-laws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of some business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or defer a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

        Classified board of directors.    Section 8.06(b) of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act provides that unless a company decides otherwise, the terms of directors of a public Massachusetts company shall be staggered by dividing the directors into three groups, as nearly equal in number as possible, with only one group of directors being elected each year. Sections 8.06(d) and (e) of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act provide that when directors are so classified, (i) shareholders may remove directors only for cause, (ii) the number of directors shall be fixed only by the vote of the board of directors, (iii) vacancies and newly created directorships shall be filled solely by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, and (iv) a decrease in the number of directors will not shorten the term of any incumbent director. Our board of directors opted out of this staggered board of directors requirement, and all of our directors currently serve for one-year terms and are elected annually. Under Section 8.06(c)(2) of the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act, our board of directors may opt into the staggered board of directors requirements of Section 8.06(b) and application of Sections 8.06(d) and (e). If the board of directors opts into this structure, these provisions are likely to increase the time required for shareholders to change the composition of the board of directors. For example, in general, at least two annual meetings would be necessary for shareholders to effect a change in a majority of the members of the board of directors. The provision for a classified board could prevent a party who acquires control of a large portion of our outstanding common stock from obtaining control of our board of directors until our second annual shareholders meeting following the date the acquirer obtains the stock interest. The classified board provision could have the effect of discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us and could increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their positions.

        Shareholder can only act by unanimous written consent and restrictions on who can call a special meeting of shareholders.    Although our restated articles of organization and amended and restated by-laws allow our shareholders to act by written consent, such written consent must be signed by all shareholders entitled to vote on the matter approved. This significantly restricts the ability of our shareholders to act by written consent and essentially provides that our shareholders may only act at a duly called shareholders meeting. In addition, special meetings of the shareholders may be called only by our President, our board of directors and one or more shareholders holding at least 40% of our voting stock.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        Our restated articles of organization and amended and restated by-laws limit the liability of our officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act and provides that we will indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by such law.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts, will pass upon the validity of the issuance of the securities offered by this prospectus.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of ImmunoGen, Inc. appearing in ImmunoGen, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2009, and the effectiveness of ImmunoGen, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2009 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy these reports, proxy statements and other information at the SEC's public reference facilities at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You can request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC and paying a fee for the copying cost. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information about the operation of the public reference facilities. SEC filings are also available at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Market, and you can read and inspect our filings at the offices of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority at 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C. 20006.

        This prospectus is only part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we have filed with the SEC under the Securities Act and therefore omits certain information contained in the registration statement. We have also filed exhibits and schedules with the registration statement that are excluded from this prospectus, and you should refer to the applicable exhibit or schedule for a complete description of any statement referring to any contract or other document. You may inspect a copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules, without charge, at the public reference room or obtain a copy from the SEC upon payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC.

        We also maintain a website at www.immunogen.com, through which you can access our SEC filings. The information set forth on our website is not part of this prospectus.


INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with them. Incorporation by reference allows us to disclose important information to you by referring you to those other documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. Statements in this prospectus regarding the provisions of certain documents filed with, or incorporated by reference in, the registration statement are not necessarily complete and each statement is qualified in all respects by that reference. Copies of all or any part of the registration statement, including the documents incorporated by reference or the exhibits, may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed rates at the offices of the SEC listed above in "Where to Find More Information." The documents we are incorporating by reference are:

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        The SEC file number for each of the documents listed above is 001-17999.

        In addition, all documents subsequently filed by us pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except for information contained in any such filing where we indicate that such information is being furnished and is not considered "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, before the date any offering under this prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement is terminated or completed are deemed to be incorporated by reference into, and to be a part of, this prospectus.

        Any statement contained in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or any other subsequently filed document that is deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes the statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

        We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy of this prospectus is delivered, upon the request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the information incorporated herein by reference (exclusive of exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). Requests, whether written or oral, for such copies should be directed to ImmunoGen, Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, 830 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451, 781-895-0600.

        You should rely only on information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are not making offers to sell the securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to anyone to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.

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