China-based biotech company Biotheus Inc. has announced a strategic research collaboration, option, and worldwide license agreement with Germany’s BioNTech SE (NASDAQ: BNTX). The deal grants BioNTech exclusive worldwide options to a preclinical-stage bispecific antibody and a clinical-stage monoclonal antibody for cancer therapy. Additionally, Biotheus will provide BioNTech with exclusive licenses to existing panels of VHH binders against multiple targets, with options to generate new panels of VHH binders against targets nominated by BioNTech.
Financial Terms and Potential Milestones
In exchange for the rights, BioNTech will provide Biotheus with an upfront payment. Following the exercise of options on Biotheus’ preclinical-stage bispecific antibody, Biotheus will also be eligible for clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered single-digit royalties.
Biotherus Inc.’s Commitment to Oncology and Inflammatory Diseases
Founded in 2018, Biotheus Inc. is a clinical-stage biotech company dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of novel antibodies and cell therapies to address unmet medical needs of patients with oncology and inflammatory diseases worldwide. The company’s product pipeline consists of over 20 Category 1 biologic drugs, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the field.
BioNTech’s Partnerships with Chinese Companies Post-COVID-19
BioNTech has expanded its partnerships with several China-based companies as it looks to bolster its post-COVID-19 pipeline. The German company granted Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd (SHA: 600196) Greater China rights to its COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty during the pandemic and has since struck in-licensing deals with Duality Biologics (Suzhou) Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd in April and July this year, respectively.-Fineline Info & Tech
