Zenas Biopharma Inc.’s positive data from the phase III Indigo trial with obexelimab in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) set investigators to speculating about the bifunctional antibody’s odds in the marketplace, as the Waltham, Mass.-based firm plans a BLA submission the U.S. FDA in the second quarter of this year.
Bispecific antibodies have gotten plenty of press in recent years, but less prominent in headlines are bifunctional ones – i.e., those that boast one binding site for an antigen and another site for a non-antibody molecule such as a toxin or drug, taking aim at a single target and bringing a secondary function for extra oomph.
The bifunctional antibody approach continues to pay off for Zenas Biopharma Inc., which banked an upsized $200 million series C preferred stock financing led by SR One along with NEA, Norwest Venture Partners and Delos Capital. Enavate Sciences and Longitude Capital participated significantly as well.
Zenas Biopharma LLC has raised $118 million in a series B round to support a global phase III trial of its lead asset as well as other immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases in its pipeline. The study, expected to begin in 2023, will evaluate obexelimab for the treatment of patients with immunoglobulin G4-related disease in late 2022.
Zenas Biopharma LLC has raised $118 million in a series B round to support a global phase III trial of its lead asset as well as other immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases in its pipeline. The study, expected to begin in 2023, will evaluate obexelimab for the treatment of patients with immunoglobulin G4-related disease in late 2022.
Zenas Biopharma LLC in-licensed the global right to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the antibody obexelimab from Xencor Inc. to treat autoimmune diseases in a deal worth up to $480 million. Under the agreement, Monrovia, Calif.-based Xencor gained the rights to acquire additional shares in U.S. and China-based Zenas, which will bring its total equity up to 15%.
Zenas Biopharma LLC in-licensed the global right to develop, manufacture, and commercialize the antibody obexelimab from Xencor Inc. to treat autoimmune diseases in a deal worth up to $480 million. Under the agreement, Monrovia, Calif.-based Xencor gained the rights to acquire additional shares in U.S. and China-based Zenas, which will bring its total equity up to 15%.
