Germany-based biopharma InflaRx N.V. (Nasdaq: IFRX) has revealed an amendment to its underlying deal with China-based Staidson BioPharma Inc. (STS) to push forward a regulatory filing in China for the anti-C5a antibody vilobelimab (BDB-001). InflaRx will supply Staidson with an exclusive license to access the German firm’s clinical, manufacturing, and regulatory documentation regarding vilobelimab to support an approval filing in China for the drug’s use in treating severely ill COVID-19 patients.
Financial and Strategic Details
InflaRx will receive a royalty of 10% of net sales in China if the drug is approved. Staidson Hong Kong Investment Co., Ltd, affiliated with STS, will also make an additional USD 2.5 million investment in InflaRx equity, with the option to request a further USD 7.5 million stake, to be exercised within 12 months of vilobelimab’s China approval.
Drug Profile and Development
Discovered by InflaRx, vilobelimab is a first-in-class monoclonal anti-human complement factor C5a antibody. C5a and its receptor C5aR are powerful inflammatory mediators involved in the progression of a wide variety of autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases. Staidson first partnered with InflaRx for development and commercialization rights to the drug in China in 2015. InflaRx is currently seeking Emergency Use Authorization for vilobelimab in the US to treat critically ill, mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Other indications under development include pyoderma gangrenosum and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.-Fineline Info & Tech
