GluBio Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Zhejiang-based molecular glue targeted protein degradation (TPD) specialist, announced a USD 30 million strategic equity investment from Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY). The funding will advance GluBio’s two core sickle cell disease programs—GLB-005 and GLB-007—oral disease-modifying therapies that reactivate fetal hemoglobin through WIZ and ZBTB7A protein degradation, with Phase I trials anticipated by end-2026.
Transaction Structure
Element
Detail
Investee
GluBio Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Zhejiang, China)
Investor
Sanofi S.A. (NASDAQ: SNY)
Investment
USD 30 million strategic equity
Security Type
Newly issued preferred shares
Rights Granted
Right of First Negotiation (ROFN) for exclusive license to GLB-005 and GLB-007
Target Indication
Sickle cell disease (SCD)
Clinical Timeline
Phase I initiation: End of 2026
Product Pipeline & Mechanism
Asset
Target
Mechanism
Therapeutic Goal
GLB-005
WIZ protein
Selective WIZ degradation
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) reactivation
GLB-007
WIZ + ZBTB7A proteins
Dual-target degradation
Enhanced HbF induction via dual repressor blockade
Biological Rationale: WIZ and ZBTB7A are fetal hemoglobin repressors; their degradation derepresses HbF genes, enabling functional red blood cell production that counteracts sickling
TPD Advantage:Molecular glue enables oral, small-molecule administration vs. gene therapy (Casgevy, Lyfgenia) requiring complex manufacturing and hospitalization
Strategic Positioning & Competitive Context
Factor
Market Analysis
Sickle Cell Disease Burden
>100,000 patients in US; >300,000 births annually globally (primarily Africa, India, Middle East); lifelong transfusion/CRISPR therapy limited by access/cost
Pediatric SCD studies; combination with hydroxyurea or gene therapy
Post-Phase I
Forward‑Looking Statements This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding GLB-005 and GLB-007 clinical development, Sanofi partnership progression, and sickle cell disease TPD market potential. Actual results may differ due to Phase I safety outcomes, HbF reactivation durability, and competitive dynamics with CRISPR gene therapies and next-generation HbF inducers.-Fineline Info & Tech
By Fineline Cube 