KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company has entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with Bristol Myers Squibb Company to develop and commercialise obexelimab for autoimmune diseases in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.
Obexelimab is an investigational bifunctional, non-cytolytic, humanised monoclonal antibody that binds CD19 and FcγRIIb to inhibit B cells, plasmablasts, and CD19-expressing plasma cells.
It is currently being studied as a subcutaneous injection in a global Phase III trial in patients with IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), a disease for which there are currently no approved treatments.
According to Zenas BioPharma in a statement, the compound is also being studied in a global Phase II/III trial in patients with warm antibody Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia (wAIHA).
Zenas BioPharma Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lonnie Moulder said this collaboration marks an important step forward in realising the company’s vision for obexelimab to benefit patients living with autoimmune diseases globally.
“The deeply experienced and passionate team at Bristol Myers Squibb is an ideal partner based on their proven development, regulatory and commercial capabilities in Japan and throughout the licensed territory.”
Meanwhile, Bristol Myers Squibb Senior Vice President & General Manager, Japan, Steve Sugino said: “We are excited to work with Zenas BioPharma to expand the reach of obexelimab in the licensed territory and to make an impact on the lives of patients that are waiting.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Zenas will receive a US$50 million up-front cash payment and is eligible to receive additional payments in connection with the achievement of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on net sales of obexelimab in the licensed territory. (US$1=4.67)
In exchange, Bristol Myers Squibb will receive exclusive rights to develop and commercialise obexelimab in the licensed territory, while also making an equity investment in Zenas.
-- BERNAMA
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