China-based WuXi Biologics (HKG: 2269) has announced a licensing agreement with GSK plc (NYSE: GSK), granting the UK-based pharmaceutical giant exclusive licenses to up to four bi- and multi-specific T-cell engaging (TCE) antibodies. These antibodies were developed using WuXi Biologics’ proprietary technology platforms. The deal includes a pre-clinical bispecific antibody that crosslinks tumor cells and T cells by targeting a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) on tumor cells and CD3 expression on T cells, as well as up to three additional pre-clinical TCE antibodies currently at an earlier discovery stage.
Financial Terms and Milestones
Under the agreement, WuXi Biologics will receive a USD 40 million upfront payment and up to USD 1.46 billion in additional payments for research, development, regulatory, and commercial milestones across the four TCE antibodies. WuXi Biologics is also eligible to receive tiered royalties on net sales. This significant financial commitment underscores GSK’s confidence in the potential of these innovative therapies.
WuXi Biologics’ Technology Platforms
WuXi Biologics’ WuXiBody is a leading proprietary bispecific antibody platform that effectively overcomes discovery and CMC barriers for the development of many bispecific antibodies. This platform enables high expression yield, high stability, good solubility, and easy purification to homogeneity, expediting the process by 6-18 months and significantly reducing manufacturing costs. In addition to WuXiBody, WuXi Biologics has developed a suite of proprietary bi-specific and multi-specific antibody platforms, including VHH antibody-based SDArBody and stabilized scFv-based SkyBody. The company also has access to OmniFlic rats to generate a common light chain-based bispecific antibody through collaboration with Ligand.
Future Outlook
The licensing agreement with GSK highlights WuXi Biologics’ strength in developing innovative antibody platforms and its commitment to advancing cutting-edge therapies. By leveraging GSK’s global reach and expertise, WuXi Biologics aims to bring these T-cell engaging antibodies to patients worldwide. This partnership underscores the potential of WuXi Biologics’ proprietary platforms to address significant unmet needs in oncology and improve patient outcomes.-Fineline Info & Tech
