Imbiologics Inc. scored a potential ₩430 billion (US$315.5 million) deal with China’s Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. for Oxtima, an autoimmune disease program with two assets co-developed by Seoul, South Korea-based HK Inno.N Corp.
Merck & Co. Inc. is acquiring Curon Biopharmaceutical Ltd.’s bispecific antibody CN-201 that targets CD3 and CD19 for B-cell associated diseases, for up to $1.3 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Merck (known as MSD outside of North America) through a subsidiary will acquire full global rights to CN-201 for an up-front payment of $700 million in cash. Curon is also eligible to receive up to $600 million in development and regulatory-based milestone payments. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2024.
Cullinan Therapeutics Inc. terminated development of Harbour Biomed Holdings Ltd.’s bispecific B7H4 x 4-1BB immune activator, CLN-418 (HBM-7008), after reviewing phase I data.
In July, biopharma deal values surged to $20.68 billion, a 61% increase from June's $12.82 billion. The boost pushed the total deal value for the first seven months of 2024 to $119.99 billion, marking the highest amount raised through July in BioWorld‘s records.
China’s Genor Biopharma Co. Ltd. agreed to out-license GB-261, its bispecific antibody candidate primarily targeting B-cell lymphomas, to TRC 2004 Inc., a U.S.-based newco co-founded by Third Rock Ventures LLC and Two River Group Holdings LLC.
Tokyo-headquartered Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. said Aug. 1 that it will acquire Boston-based Jnana Therapeutics Inc. through a potential $1.125 billion M&A deal. Under the terms, Otsuka will work to close the transaction by the third quarter of 2024, with $800 million paid out to Jnana shareholders, along with up to $325 million in additional development and regulatory milestones payments.
Instil Bio Inc. plans re-energize the company by in-licensing the development and commercial rights to antibodies outside of China from Shanghai-based Immuneonco Biopharmaceuticals Inc. In return, Immuneonco is getting an undisclosed up-front payment and the chance for near-term payments of up to $50 million.
Ideaya Biosciences Inc. bought global rights to Biocytogen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.’s cancer-targeting bispecific antibody-drug conjugate (bsADC) program in a deal reaching up to $406.5 million.
Triastek Inc., of Nanjing, China, scored a potential $1.2 billion collaboration and platform technology license deal with Biontech SE to manufacture oral RNA therapeutics with 3D printing technology.
SK Bioscience Co. Ltd. signed a simple agreement for a future equity (SAFE) deal totaling $2 million with Hingham, Mass.-based Sunflower Therapeutics PBC on July 25 to secure both Sunflower’s equity and its yeast-based protein manufacturing technology. The conditional agreement will grant SK Bioscience future equity rights in Sunflower without the need for immediate valuation, allowing for minimal investment.