Zenas BioPharma has entered into a license 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.
Zenas is global biopharmaceutical company committed to the development and commercialisation of immunology-based therapies.
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.
The deeply experienced and passionate team at Bristol Myers Squibb is an ideal partner based on their proven development, regulatory and commercial capabilities
- Lonnie Moulder, CEO of Zenas BioPharma
Obexelimab 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.
The compound is also being studied in a global Phase II/III trial in patients with warm antibody Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia (wAIHA).
“This collaboration marks an important step forward in realising our vision for obexelimab to benefit patients living with autoimmune diseases globally,” said Lonnie Moulder, CEO of Zenas BioPharma. “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.”
“This collaboration represents an important opportunity to address unmet needs for people living with IgG4-RD, for which there are no approved treatment options,” said Steve Sugino, Senior VP & General Manager, Japan, Bristol Myers Squibb. “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 license agreement, Zenas will receive a $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.
In exchange, Bristol Myers Squibb will receive exclusive rights to develop and commercialise obexelimab in the licensed territory. In addition, Bristol Myers Squibb is making an equity investment in Zenas.
