Zai Lab, a Shanghai-based biopharmaceutical company and Crescendo Biologics, the developer of multi-functional biologics, have made an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement under which Zai Lab will develop, commercialise and manufacture a topical, innovative antibody VH domain therapeutic for potential application in inflammatory indications.
Crescendo Biologic’s product candidate was developed using Crescendo’s transgenic platform, which generates small, robust and potent protein therapeutics based on fully human VH domain building blocks. Zai Lab anticipates filing an IND for this therapeutic candidate for clinical studies in psoriasis in 2019.
“Biologics-based therapies are increasingly effective in psoriasis and other skin conditions, but are often associated with treatment-limiting immunosuppressive side effects,” commented Dr Harald Reinhart, Chief Medical Officer, Autoimmune and Infectious Diseases at Zai Lab.
“We see a clear benefit with topically administered dermatologic preparations, which offers strong clinical efficacy and potentially safer for chronic administration.”
Peter Pack, CEO of Crescendo Biologics, commented: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with Zai Lab, a foremost developer of innovative medicines across diverse therapeutic areas where there are substantial unmet needs in global markets. We are delighted with the pace and efficiency of Zai Lab’s plan to develop clinical proof of concept with our Humabody.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Crescendo Biologics has granted to Zai Lab a worldwide exclusive license to develop and commercialise its drug candidate for all indications.
Zai Lab will be responsible for conducting all regulatory filings, clinical studies and commercialisation activities, with both companies participating in a Joint Development Committee.
Zai Lab has made an upfront cash payment to Crescendo Biologics and will provide development, regulatory and commercial milestones for multiple indications. Crescendo Biologics will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties on global sales.
