US-based Candid Therapeutics Inc. is fulfilling its ambition to become a leader in advancing T-cell engagers (TCEs) for B-cell depletion to treat autoimmune diseases, with the signing of Chinese firms Nona Biosciences and EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Inc., as well as compatriot firm Ab Studio, Inc., in a single day to strengthen its efforts.
EpimAh Agreement and Financials
Under the agreement with EpimAb, the company is entitled to receive an upfront payment and development and sales milestones totaling over USD 1 billion, in addition to net sales royalties. Candid has secured exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the resulting programs. This follows EpimAb’s licensing of its EMB-06 to US-based biotech Vignette Bio for development and commercialization in Greater China, with Candid later acquiring Vignette in September, thereby obtaining the rights to the BCMA-targeted TCE. EMB-06, a BCMA×CD3 bispecific antibody, has demonstrated promising clinical efficacy in patients with multiple myeloma.
Nona Biosciences Deal and Financials
Nona Biosciences is eligible to receive up to USD 320 million, including an upfront payment and potential milestone payments, as part of its agreement with Candid. Candid will take on all further product development responsibilities.
Ab Studio Collaboration and Financials
The deal between Ab Studio and Candid involves undisclosed payments and grants Candid exclusive rights to develop and commercialize programs discovered under the collaboration.
Related Acquisition and Licensing Agreement
In a related development, Candid purchased US-based RC 2004 Inc. in September this year, which had licensed GB261, a B-cell depletion agent, from China’s Genor Biopharma Co., Ltd (6998.HK) one month earlier. GB261 is a first-in-class CD20/CD3 T-cell engager designed by Ab Studio’s “imbalanced” bispecific antibody development platform.-Fineline Info & Tech
