Top partnering deals of 2025 valued at over US$500m.
Partners | Date | Value, US$m | Subject | Termsheet |
Novo Nordisk, Valo Health | Jan 2025 | 4790 | Research, development and licensing agreement for drug programmes in obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease | Parties Involved- Valo Health, Inc. – AI-driven drug discovery and development company utilizing its Opal Computational Platform™ for human-centric, AI-powered small molecule drug design.
- Novo Nordisk A/S – A global healthcare leader specializing in cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Expansion of the original 2023 partnership to now cover the discovery and development of up to 20 novel drug programs for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
- Technology Utilized:
- Valo’s Opal Computational Platform™, which applies AI and human data analytics for target discovery and drug development.
- Integration of real-world patient datasets, genetics, and preclinical models to identify and validate novel cardiometabolic drug targets.
- Key Research Areas:
- Identification of novel therapeutic targets using AI-powered data analysis.
- Development of small molecule drug candidates with human-centric AI-driven design.
- Acceleration of preclinical and clinical development of selected candidates.
Rights & Responsibilities- Valo Health:
- Leverages AI-driven drug discovery to identify and validate novel cardiometabolic targets.
- Conducts preclinical development for small molecule drug candidates.
- Receives funding, milestone payments, and royalties based on successful program progression.
- Novo Nordisk:
- Leads clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of successful drug candidates.
- Provides funding for R&D and further research into human genetics and disease biology.
- Accelerates clinical trial initiation and regulatory submissions for promising programs.
Financial Terms- Upfront & Near-Term Payments: Up to $190 million, including an equity investment and milestone payment.
- Total Potential Milestones: Up to $4.6 billion across 20 drug programs (increased from $2.7 billion under the original 2023 agreement).
- Additional R&D Funding & Royalties: Valo is eligible for R&D funding and royalties on net sales of successful therapeutics.
Regulatory Approval- Novo Nordisk will manage regulatory submissions and approvals for drug candidates progressing to clinical trials.
Overall SummaryValo Health and Novo Nordisk have expanded their AI-driven drug discovery collaboration to develop up to 20 novel therapies for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Novo Nordisk will provide up to $4.6 billion in milestone payments, $190 million upfront and near-term payments, as well as R&D funding and royalties. Valo will apply its Opal Computational Platform™ to identify new therapeutic targets and develop AI-driven small molecule drugs, while Novo Nordisk will lead clinical development and commercialization. This expansion significantly strengthens Novo Nordisk’s cardiometabolic drug pipeline and deepens its commitment to AI-powered precision medicine. |
Sciwind Biosciences, Verdiva Bio | Jan 2025 | 2470 | Licensing and collaboration agreement for metabolic disease portfolio | Parties Involved- Sciwind Biosciences – A pre-commercial biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for metabolic diseases.
- Verdiva Bio Limited – A clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in treatments for obesity and cardiometabolic disorders.
Collaboration Scope
Licensing Agreement & Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: Sciwind receives approximately $70 million.
- Milestone Payments: Sciwind is eligible to receive over $2.4 billion in development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones.
- Royalties: Sciwind will receive tiered royalties on future product sales outside Greater China and South Korea.
Overall SummarySciwind Biosciences and Verdiva Bio have entered into a global licensing and collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of a portfolio of metabolic disease therapies, including oral and injectable GLP-1 and Amylin receptor agonists. Verdiva Bio gains exclusive global rights outside of Greater China and South Korea, while Sciwind retains rights in these regions. Sciwind receives a $70 million upfront payment, with potential milestone payments exceeding $2.4 billion, plus tiered royalties on global sales. The partnership is designed to accelerate the global commercialization of these innovative metabolic therapies. |
Abbvie, Xilio Therapeutics | Feb 2025 | 2162 | Collaboration and option agreement to develop novel tumor-activated immunotherapies | Key Deal Terms Summary1. Agreement Overview- Companies Involved: AbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics
- Deal Type: Collaboration and option-to-license agreement
- Objective: Develop novel tumor-activated antibody-based immunotherapies, including masked T-cell engagers
- Technology Focus: Xilio’s tumor-activated biologics platform to enhance targeted immune-oncology therapies
2. Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: $52 million, including a $10 million equity investment
- Potential Milestone Payments: Up to $2.1 billion based on option-related fees and clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestones
- Royalties: Xilio is eligible for tiered royalties on commercial sales
3. Development & Commercialization Plans- Key Technology:
- Xilio’s tumor-activated biologics platform enables masking and selective activation of T-cell engagers within the tumor microenvironment, minimizing systemic side effects
- Focus on high-value immunotherapies, including multispecific molecules and immune cell engagers
- AbbVie’s Role:
- Leverage oncology expertise to guide clinical development
- Utilize global commercialization and regulatory expertise
- Xilio’s Role:
- Lead early-stage research and development
- Apply tumor-selective activation technology to enhance efficacy and safety
4. Strategic Impact- Advances next-generation immunotherapies, expanding AbbVie’s oncology pipeline
- Strengthens Xilio’s position in immuno-oncology, leveraging AbbVie’s clinical and commercial infrastructure
- Potentially enhances the safety and efficacy of T-cell engagers, an emerging class of tumor-targeted biologics
- Positions AbbVie as a leader in engineered immunotherapies, reinforcing its commitment to oncology innovation
Overall SummaryAbbVie and Xilio Therapeutics have entered into a collaboration and option-to-license agreement to develop novel tumor-activated immunotherapies, including masked T-cell engagers. Under the agreement, Xilio will receive $52 million upfront, with potential milestone payments of up to $2.1 billion, plus tiered royalties. The partnership leverages Xilio’s proprietary tumor-activation platform to improve immune-oncology therapies, while AbbVie brings its oncology expertise and commercialization capabilities. This collaboration strengthens both companies' positions in immuno-oncology and could lead to more effective, safer cancer treatments. |
Gilead Sciences, LEO Pharma | Jan 2025 | 1700 | Development, licensing and option agreement for oral STAT6 program | Parties Involved- Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) – A global biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing treatments for life-threatening diseases, including inflammation, viral hepatitis, HIV, and cancer.
- LEO Pharma – A Denmark-based pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology treatments, co-owned by the LEO Foundation and Nordic Capital.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Development and commercialization of LEO Pharma’s oral STAT6 small molecule inhibitors and targeted protein degraders for inflammatory diseases.
- Indications: Potential treatments for atopic dermatitis, asthma, COPD, and other inflammatory conditions where IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine signaling play a role.
- Development Responsibilities:
- Gilead: Leads the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of oral STAT6 inhibitors.
- LEO Pharma: Retains global rights to develop and commercialize topical STAT6 formulations for dermatology indications.
- Commercialization Rights:
- Gilead will have exclusive global rights to the oral STAT6 program.
- LEO Pharma has the option to co-commercialize oral STAT6 products for dermatology indications outside the U.S.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: $250 million to LEO Pharma.
- Milestone Payments: LEO Pharma is eligible for up to $1.7 billion in total payments, including development, regulatory, and commercial milestones.
- Royalties:
- LEO Pharma will receive tiered royalties ranging from high single-digit to mid-teens on sales of oral STAT6 products.
- Gilead will receive tiered royalties ranging from high single-digit to mid-teens on sales of topical STAT6 products.
- Financial Impact: Gilead expects this transaction to reduce its GAAP and non-GAAP 2025 EPS by approximately $0.15 - $0.17.
Regulatory Approval- No specific regulatory conditions were disclosed, but further development and clinical trials will be required before commercialization.
Overall SummaryGilead Sciences and LEO Pharma have entered a strategic partnership to develop oral STAT6 inhibitors for multiple inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, asthma, and COPD. Gilead gains exclusive global rights to the oral STAT6 program, while LEO Pharma retains global rights to topical formulations and has the option to co-commercialize oral STAT6 therapies for dermatology indications outside the U.S. LEO Pharma will receive $250 million upfront, with the potential for $1.7 billion in total payments and royalties on future sales. |
Abbvie, Neomorph | Jan 2025 | 1640 | Development and option agreement for molecular glue degraders for oncology and immunology | Parties Involved- AbbVie – A global biopharmaceutical company with expertise in oncology and immunology drug development.
- Neomorph, Inc. – A biotechnology company specializing in molecular glue degraders, targeting "undruggable" proteins in cancer and immune disorders.
Collaboration Scope- The collaboration focuses on developing novel molecular glue degraders for multiple oncology and immunology targets.
- Molecular glue degraders are small molecules that selectively degrade disease-driving proteins, offering a more precise treatment approach for cancer and immune disorders.
- Neomorph’s proprietary molecular glue discovery platform will be leveraged to identify and advance novel drug candidates.
Rights & Responsibilities- Neomorph
- Responsible for discovering and advancing molecular glue degraders for the designated targets.
- Eligible for option fees, milestone payments, and royalties upon success.
- AbbVie
- Gains exclusive licensing rights to select programs upon exercising its option.
- Will oversee clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of selected drug candidates.
Financial Terms- Neomorph to receive:
- Upfront payment (amount undisclosed).
- Up to $1.64 billion in option fees and milestone payments.
- Tiered royalties on future net sales of licensed products.
Regulatory Approval- No immediate regulatory requirements disclosed, but the collaboration is expected to advance novel molecular glue degraders toward clinical development.
Overall SummaryAbbVie and Neomorph have entered into a collaboration and option-to-license agreement to develop molecular glue degraders targeting oncology and immunology indications. Neomorph will lead drug discovery, while AbbVie will have the option to license and advance selected programs into clinical development and commercialization. Neomorph stands to receive up to $1.64 billion in milestone payments and royalties, reinforcing the growing potential of molecular glue degraders in targeting previously "undruggable" proteins. |
Samsung Biologics | Jan 2025 | 1400 | Manufacturing agreement with pharmaceutical company based in European Union | Samsung Biologics Secures $1.4B European Manufacturing ContractContract Overview - Samsung Biologics has entered into a manufacturing agreement with an unnamed pharmaceutical company based in the European Union. Deal Value - The contract is valued at over $1.4 billion (approximately 2.1 trillion Korean won). Strategic Significance - This agreement ranks among the largest in Samsung Biologics' history. - It continues the company's recent trend of securing major manufacturing contracts. |
Boehringer Ingelheim, Synaffix | Jan 2025 | 1300 | Licensing agreement for ADC technology | Parties Involved- Boehringer Ingelheim – A global biopharmaceutical company focused on human and animal health, with significant investment in oncology research and development.
- Synaffix B.V. (a Lonza company) – A biotechnology company specializing in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, including GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace®, and toxSYN® platforms.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Development of multiple ADC programs leveraging Synaffix’s ADC technology to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
- Technology Utilized:
- GlycoConnect™ – A site-specific conjugation technology.
- HydraSpace® – A linker technology to optimize ADC properties.
- toxSYN® – A cytotoxic payload platform to improve the therapeutic index of ADCs.
- Target Selection:
- Boehringer will nominate multiple tumor targets from its portfolio.
- The first target was nominated at the agreement signing, with additional targets to follow within a predefined timeframe.
- Development and Commercialization Responsibilities:
- Synaffix provides proprietary ADC technologies and manufactures related components.
- Boehringer Ingelheim (via NBE Therapeutics) will lead ADC development and commercialization.
Rights & Responsibilities- Synaffix:
- Grants Boehringer Ingelheim a license to develop ADCs using its proprietary platform.
- Provides manufacturing support for ADC components.
- Boehringer Ingelheim:
- Leads research, development, and commercialization of ADC products.
- Leverages its oncology expertise to develop novel, first-in-class cancer treatments.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: Undisclosed amount paid to Synaffix.
- Milestone Payments: Up to $1.3 billion based on development, regulatory, and commercial achievements.
- Royalties: Synaffix to receive royalties on net sales of commercialized ADC products.
Regulatory Approval- Boehringer Ingelheim will lead regulatory submissions for clinical trials and market approvals of the ADCs.
Overall SummaryBoehringer Ingelheim and Synaffix have entered into a licensing agreement for the development of multiple ADC programs using Synaffix’s GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace®, and toxSYN® technologies. Under the agreement, Boehringer will nominate multiple tumor targets, starting with an initial target selected at signing, and NBE Therapeutics will oversee development and commercialization. Synaffix will receive an upfront payment, up to $1.3 billion in milestone payments, and royalties on net sales. This collaboration expands Boehringer’s ADC pipeline and reinforces Synaffix’s position as a leader in ADC technology licensing. |
ArriVent Biopharma, Lepu Biopharma | Jan 2025 | 1207 | Licensing agreement for MRG007 | ArriVent BioPharma & Lepu Biopharma Exclusive License Agreement for MRG007Parties Involved- ArriVent BioPharma
- Lepu Biopharma
Collaboration ScopeArriVent BioPharma has obtained exclusive global rights outside of Greater China to develop, manufacture, and commercialize MRG007, a novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in development for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The first Investigational New Drug (IND) submission is planned for the first half of 2025.
Rights & Responsibilities- ArriVent BioPharma: Responsible for the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of MRG007 outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
- Lepu Biopharma: Retains exclusive rights within Greater China and will collaborate with ArriVent to advance the development of MRG007.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment & Near-Term Milestones: $47 million to Lepu Biopharma.
- Milestone Payments: Up to $1.16 billion in development, regulatory, and sales milestones.
- Royalties: Tiered royalties on net sales outside of Greater China.
Regulatory Approval- The first IND submission for MRG007 is planned for 1H 2025.
- The initial clinical development focus will be colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic cancer, and other GI cancers.
Overall SummaryArriVent BioPharma has entered into an exclusive global licensing agreement (excluding Greater China) with Lepu Biopharma for MRG007, a next-generation ADC targeting GI cancers. This collaboration strengthens ArriVent’s ADC pipeline and accelerates clinical development. Lepu Biopharma will receive $47 million upfront and near-term milestones, with potential total payments reaching $1.16 billion plus tiered royalties. The first IND submission is expected in 1H 2025, with initial clinical focus on CRC, pancreatic, and other GI cancers. |
Avenzo Therapeutics, DualityBio | Jan 2025 | 1200 | Licensing agreement for EGFR/HER3 antibody-drug conjugate | Parties Involved- Avenzo Therapeutics, Inc. – A clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on next-generation oncology therapies.
- Duality Biotherapeutics – A clinical-stage biotech company specializing in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Collaboration Scope- Avenzo will receive an exclusive global license (excluding Greater China) to develop, manufacture, and commercialize AVZO-1418/DB-1418, an EGFR/HER3 bispecific ADC for solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and head and neck cancer.
- DualityBio retains rights in Greater China and will continue supporting the development of the ADC.
- IND-enabling studies are ongoing, with plans to initiate a first-in-human clinical trial this year.
Rights & Responsibilities- Avenzo Therapeutics:
- Responsible for global clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of AVZO-1418/DB-1418 outside of Greater China.
- Will collaborate with DualityBio to accelerate development and initiate clinical trials.
- Duality Biotherapeutics:
- Will receive milestone payments and royalties.
- Will continue to support preclinical and clinical development efforts.
Financial Terms- DualityBio will receive a $50 million upfront payment.
- DualityBio is eligible for up to $1.15 billion in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments.
- Tiered royalties on net sales in Avenzo’s territory.
Regulatory Approval- Avenzo will be responsible for regulatory submissions and approvals outside of Greater China.
- The first-in-human clinical study is expected to begin this year.
Overall SummaryAvenzo Therapeutics has entered into an exclusive global license agreement (excluding Greater China) with DualityBio for AVZO-1418/DB-1418, an EGFR/HER3 bispecific ADC targeting various solid tumors. Avenzo will oversee global development, manufacturing, and commercialization, while DualityBio will receive upfront, milestone, and royalty payments. The first-in-human trial is expected to begin this year, aiming to establish AVZO-1418/DB-1418 as a best-in-class ADC therapy. |
Innovent Biologics, Roche | Jan 2025 | 1080 | Licensing agreement for DLL3 antibody drug conjugate | Parties Involved- Innovent Biologics, Inc. – A leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative therapies for oncology and other major diseases.
- Roche – A global pharmaceutical and diagnostics company with expertise in oncology and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Collaboration Scope- Innovent grants Roche exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize IBI3009, a DLL3-targeted ADC for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and other neuroendocrine tumors.
- Innovent and Roche will jointly focus on early-stage development, with Roche assuming full responsibility for further clinical development, regulatory submissions, and commercialization.
Rights & Responsibilities- Innovent Biologics
- Develops IBI3009 through early-stage clinical development.
- Provides Roche with global exclusive rights to the asset.
- Continues to benefit through milestone payments and royalties.
- Roche
- Assumes full development, regulatory, and commercialization responsibilities post-early-stage trials.
- Leverages its global ADC expertise and oncology network to bring IBI3009 to market.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: $80 million to Innovent.
- Milestone Payments: Up to $1 billion based on development and commercial success.
- Royalties: Tiered royalties on net sales of IBI3009.
Regulatory Approval- IND approvals secured in Australia, China, and the U.S.
- First patient dosed in December 2024 in an ongoing Phase 1 study.
- Roche will lead future regulatory filings and market approvals globally.
Overall SummaryInnovent has granted Roche exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize IBI3009, a DLL3-targeted ADC for small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. The agreement provides Innovent with an upfront payment of $80 million, potential milestone payments of up to $1 billion, and tiered royalties on future net sales. Roche will assume full late-stage development and commercialization responsibilities, leveraging its expertise in ADCs and oncology drug development. |
Orna Therapeutics, ReNAgade Therapeutics, Vertex Pharmaceuticals | Jan 2025 | 1065 | Research, development, licensing and option agreement for next generation approaches for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia | Parties Involved- Orna Therapeutics (via ReNAgade Therapeutics Inc.) – Specializes in circular RNA (oRNA®) therapeutics and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems.
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals – A leader in gene editing therapies, particularly for hemoglobinopathies like Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia (TDT).
Collaboration Scope- Three-year strategic research collaboration focusing on in vivo gene editing therapies for SCD and TDT.
- Vertex will utilize Orna’s proprietary LNP delivery platform to enhance the delivery of its gene editing therapies to hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
- Potential for expansion beyond SCD/TDT, with additional option rights for up to ten additional products.
Rights & Responsibilities- Orna Therapeutics:
- Provides its non-viral LNP delivery platform to optimize gene therapy targeting hematopoietic stem cells.
- Conducts initial research activities under the collaboration.
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals:
- Leads the development, regulatory, and commercialization efforts.
- Holds an option to extend the research collaboration term.
- Can expand the agreement to include additional indications.
Financial Terms- $65 million upfront payment, including a convertible note investment.
- Up to $635 million in milestone payments for SCD/TDT-related products.
- Potential for up to $365 million per product for up to ten additional products if Vertex expands its rights.
- Tiered royalties on future net sales of any approved products.
Regulatory Approval- Any resulting therapies from this collaboration would be subject to preclinical, clinical, and regulatory approvals for gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells.
- Vertex’s regulatory expertise in gene editing therapies will play a crucial role in advancing potential products to market.
Overall SummaryOrna Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have entered a three-year strategic research collaboration to develop next-generation gene editing therapies for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Transfusion-Dependent Beta Thalassemia (TDT). Vertex will leverage Orna’s LNP delivery technology to enhance in vivo gene editing approaches targeting hematopoietic stem cells. Orna will receive $65 million upfront, with up to $635 million in milestone payments, plus tiered royalties on future sales. The agreement also includes the potential for up to ten additional products, with milestone payments of up to $365 million per product if Vertex expands its rights. |
Abbvie, Simcere Pharmaceuticals | Jan 2025 | 1055 | Development and option agreement for trispecific antibody candidate in multiple myeloma | Parties Involved- Simcere Zaiming – Oncology-focused biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKEX: 2096), specializing in innovative therapies.
- AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) – A global pharmaceutical company with a strong focus on oncology and hematologic malignancies.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Development and potential commercialization of SIM0500, a trispecific antibody targeting GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3 for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM).
- Technology: Developed using Simcere Zaiming’s proprietary T-cell engager polyspecific antibody platform, SIM0500 engages CD3-expressing T cells while targeting tumor-associated antigens GPRC5D and BCMA to enhance antitumor activity.
- Clinical Stage: Currently in Phase 1 trials in China and the U.S.
Rights & Responsibilities- Simcere Zaiming:
- Retains rights to develop and commercialize SIM0500 in Greater China.
- Responsible for early-stage development and trials.
- AbbVie:
- Holds an option to license SIM0500 for global development and commercialization (excluding Greater China).
- Will be responsible for further clinical development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization outside Greater China.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: Simcere Zaiming to receive an undisclosed upfront payment from AbbVie.
- Milestone & Option Payments: Simcere Zaiming is eligible for up to $1.055 billion in option fees and milestone payments.
- Royalties:
- Simcere Zaiming will receive tiered royalties on net sales outside Greater China.
- AbbVie will receive tiered royalties on net sales within Greater China.
Regulatory Approval- The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and successful completion of clinical trials for SIM0500.
Overall SummarySimcere Zaiming and AbbVie have entered into an option-to-license agreement for SIM0500, a trispecific antibody for multiple myeloma targeting GPRC5D, BCMA, and CD3. AbbVie will have the option to license the drug for global commercialization outside Greater China, while Simcere Zaiming retains Greater China rights. Simcere Zaiming will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, with total potential milestone payments of up to $1.055 billion, plus tiered royalties on net sales. The collaboration leverages Simcere Zaiming’s T-cell engager platform and AbbVie’s expertise in hematologic oncology. |
Light Horse Therapeutics, Novartis | Jan 2025 | 1025 | Licensing agreement for multi-target collaboration to identify and develop small molecule therapeutics | Parties Involved- Light Horse Therapeutics Inc. – A biotechnology company developing first-in-class small molecule therapeutics using advanced discovery and screening platforms.
- Novartis – A global pharmaceutical company with expertise in drug discovery and development.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Multi-target discovery collaboration leveraging Light Horse’s genetic screening platform and proprietary chemical libraries to identify and develop novel small molecule therapeutics.
- Target Areas: Primarily focused on oncology, with potential applications in other therapeutic areas.
- Technology: Light Horse’s platform aims to identify novel, high-value targets and functionalize previously undruggable targets.
Rights & Responsibilities- Light Horse Therapeutics will be responsible for:
- Applying its discovery platform to identify novel drug targets.
- Conducting early-stage research on small molecule therapeutics.
- Novartis will be responsible for:
- Further development and commercialization of any successful drug candidates.
- Driving clinical development and regulatory approval.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: $25 million to Light Horse Therapeutics.
- Milestone Payments: Up to $1 billion in research, development, and sales-based milestones.
- Royalties: Light Horse will receive royalties on net sales of licensed therapeutics.
Overall SummaryLight Horse Therapeutics and Novartis have entered into a multi-target discovery collaboration to develop first-in-class small molecule therapeutics, primarily in oncology. Light Horse will receive a $25 million upfront payment and is eligible for up to $1 billion in milestone payments, along with royalties on licensed products. The partnership aims to leverage Light Horse’s precision genome editing and discovery platform to identify and develop novel, high-value drug targets. |
Dropshot Therapeutics, eTheRNA immunotherapies | Jan 2025 | 950 | Development and licensing agreement for RNA-based therapeutics for the multiple new drug candidates | Parties Involved- Boehringer Ingelheim – A global biopharmaceutical company focused on human and animal health, with significant investment in oncology research and development.
- Synaffix B.V. (a Lonza company) – A biotechnology company specializing in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology, including GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace®, and toxSYN® platforms.
Collaboration Scope- Focus: Development of multiple ADC programs leveraging Synaffix’s ADC technology to enhance cancer treatment efficacy while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
- Technology Utilized:
- GlycoConnect™ – A site-specific conjugation technology.
- HydraSpace® – A linker technology to optimize ADC properties.
- toxSYN® – A cytotoxic payload platform to improve the therapeutic index of ADCs.
- Target Selection:
- Boehringer will nominate multiple tumor targets from its portfolio.
- The first target was nominated at the agreement signing, with additional targets to follow within a predefined timeframe.
- Development and Commercialization Responsibilities:
- Synaffix provides proprietary ADC technologies and manufactures related components.
- Boehringer Ingelheim (via NBE Therapeutics) will lead ADC development and commercialization.
Rights & Responsibilities- Synaffix:
- Grants Boehringer Ingelheim a license to develop ADCs using its proprietary platform.
- Provides manufacturing support for ADC components.
- Boehringer Ingelheim:
- Leads research, development, and commercialization of ADC products.
- Leverages its oncology expertise to develop novel, first-in-class cancer treatments.
Financial Terms- Upfront Payment: Undisclosed amount paid to Synaffix.
- Milestone Payments: Up to $1.3 billion based on development, regulatory, and commercial achievements.
- Royalties: Synaffix to receive royalties on net sales of commercialized ADC products.
Regulatory Approval- Boehringer Ingelheim will lead regulatory submissions for clinical trials and market approvals of the ADCs.
Overall SummaryBoehringer Ingelheim and Synaffix have entered into a licensing agreement for the development of multiple ADC programs using Synaffix’s GlycoConnect™, HydraSpace®, and toxSYN® technologies. Under the agreement, Boehringer will nominate multiple tumor targets, starting with an initial target selected at signing, and NBE Therapeutics will oversee development and commercialization. Synaffix will receive an upfront payment, up to $1.3 billion in milestone payments, and royalties on net sales. This collaboration expands Boehringer’s ADC pipeline and reinforces Synaffix’s position as a leader in ADC technology licensing. |
Nippon Shinyaku, Regenxbio | Jan 2025 | 810 | Development and licensing agreement for RGX-121 and RGX-111 for MPS Diseases | Key Deal Terms Summary: REGENXBIO and Nippon Shinyaku Partnership for RGX-121 and RGX-1111. Scope of Collaboration- Development and commercialization of gene therapies RGX-121 (MPS II) and RGX-111 (MPS I) in the U.S. and Asia (Licensed Territory).
- REGENXBIO leads manufacturing and clinical development for both products.
- Nippon Shinyaku leads commercialization in the Licensed Territory.
- REGENXBIO retains rights outside of the Licensed Territory and to any proceeds from a Priority Review Voucher (PRV) for RGX-121.
2. Financial Terms- $110 million upfront payment to REGENXBIO.
- Up to $700 million in potential milestone payments:
- $40 million in development and regulatory milestones.
- $660 million in sales-based milestones.
- Meaningful double-digit royalties on net sales in the Licensed Territory.
3. Strategic Impact- RGX-121 could become the first FDA-approved gene therapy for MPS II with a potential accelerated approval in 2025.
- Nippon Shinyaku’s rare disease expertise strengthens commercial reach in key markets.
- REGENXBIO retains full control of manufacturing to ensure high-quality production and supply chain stability.
4. Closing Conditions- Expected to close by Q1 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Overall SummaryREGENXBIO and Nippon Shinyaku entered a $810 million+ partnership to develop and commercialize gene therapies RGX-121 and RGX-111 for MPS diseases in the U.S. and Asia. REGENXBIO receives $110 million upfront, up to $700 million in milestones, and double-digit royalties. Nippon Shinyaku will lead commercialization, while REGENXBIO retains manufacturing control and rights outside the Licensed Territory. The deal is expected to close in early 2025. |
Eli Lilly, Mediar Therapeutics | Jan 2025 | 786 | Licensing agreement for WISP1 antibody MTX-463 | Parties Involved- Mediar Therapeutics, Inc. – A clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on first-in-class therapies for fibrosis.
- Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) – A global pharmaceutical leader with expertise in immunology and fibrosis drug development.
Collaboration Scope- Product: MTX-463 – A first-in-class human IgG1 antibody targeting WISP1-mediated fibrotic signaling.
- Indication: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and potentially other fibrotic diseases.
- Development Responsibilities:
- Mediar will conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of MTX-463 in IPF, with initiation expected in 1H 2025.
- Lilly will assume responsibility for further clinical development and global commercialization after the completion of the Phase 2 study.
Licensing Agreement- Mediar grants Lilly exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize MTX-463 following the completion of Phase 2.
- Financial Terms:
- Upfront and near-term milestone payments: $99 million.
- Potential development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments: Up to $687 million.
- Royalties: Mediar will receive high-single to low-double-digit royalties on future net sales of MTX-463.
Regulatory & Clinical Development- Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers successfully completed, demonstrating tolerability and target engagement at all tested doses.
- Phase 2 trial in IPF patients to begin in 1H 2025, focusing on:
- Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy evaluation.
- Establishing WISP1 as a viable anti-fibrotic target.
Overall SummaryMediar Therapeutics and Eli Lilly have entered into a global licensing agreement for MTX-463, a first-in-class anti-WISP1 antibody targeting fibrosis progression. Mediar will lead Phase 2 development in IPF, after which Lilly will assume clinical development and global commercialization. Mediar receives a $99 million upfront and near-term payment, with up to $687 million in milestone payments and tiered royalties. The collaboration leverages Lilly’s expertise in immunology and fibrosis drug development, aiming to deliver a novel, best-in-class fibrosis treatment to patients. |
Araris Biotech, Chugai Pharmaceutical | Jan 2025 | 780 | Research and option agreement for next-generation adcs using AraLinQ technology | Araris Biotech announced they entered Research Collaboration and Option to License Agreement under which Araris will use its proprietary linker-conjugation platform AraLinQ to generate novel ADCs using antibodies against undisclosed targets provided by Chugai Pharmaceutical Chugai will pay an upfront fee Fund all research activities After exercising option be solely responsible for development, manufacturing and global commercialization activities Araris will be eligible for development, regulatory and commercial milestones of approximately USD 780 million Royalties on net sales of products |
AB2 Bio, Nippon Shinyaku | Jan 2025 | 686 | Option and licensing agreement for Tadekinig alfa for an ultra-rare autoimmune disease | Key Deal Terms Summary1. Agreement Overview- AB2 Bio has entered into an option and licensing agreement with Nippon Shinyaku.
- The agreement grants Nippon Shinyaku an option to acquire exclusive U.S. rights to commercialize Tadekinig alfa for the treatment of Primary Monogenic IL-18 driven Hyperinflammatory Syndrome in patients with NLRC4 mutation and XIAP deficiency.
- AB2 Bio will continue to prepare a Biologics License Application (BLA) and seek U.S. marketing authorization for Tadekinig alfa.
- AB2 Bio retains rights to commercialize Tadekinig alfa for all other indications in the U.S. and for all indications in other markets.
2. Financial Terms- Upfront and Early Payments: Up to $36 million, including an initial payment of $6 million upon signing.
- Development Milestone Payments: Up to $150 million.
- Commercial Milestone and Royalty Payments: Up to $500 million.
3. Development & Commercialization Plans- AB2 Bio will complete the Phase 3 program for Tadekinig alfa in its lead indication.
- The therapy has established clinical proof-of-concept in three life-threatening orphan diseases.
- Tadekinig alfa has received Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe, as well as Breakthrough Therapy and Pediatric Rare Disease Designations in the U.S.
- These designations make the drug potentially eligible for a Priority Review Voucher.
4. Strategic Impact- The agreement accelerates the commercialization of Tadekinig alfa for an ultra-rare autoimmune disease with no approved treatments.
- Nippon Shinyaku brings strong expertise in rare disease commercialization in the U.S.
- AB2 Bio retains the ability to expand Tadekinig alfa’s potential beyond the licensed indication.
Overall SummaryAB2 Bio and Nippon Shinyaku have signed an option and licensing agreement for Tadekinig alfa, granting Nippon Shinyaku the exclusive U.S. commercialization rights for a severe IL-18 driven hyperinflammatory syndrome in pediatric patients. AB2 Bio will receive up to $36 million in early payments, with the potential for $150 million in development milestones and $500 million in commercial milestones and royalties. AB2 Bio will continue to advance regulatory filings while retaining broader commercialization rights beyond the licensed indication. The agreement leverages Nippon Shinyaku’s rare disease expertise, ensuring a strategic pathway for bringing Tadekinig alfa to market.
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Pfizer, PostEra | Jan 2025 | 610 | Licensing agreement for antibody-drug-conjugate discovery | Parties Involved- PostEra – A biotechnology company specializing in AI-driven drug discovery.
- Pfizer – A global pharmaceutical company expanding its AI-driven preclinical drug discovery capabilities.
Collaboration Scope- Expansion of existing AI Lab collaboration from $260M to $610M.
- Launch of a new Antibody-Drug-Conjugate (ADC) collaboration, applying PostEra's AI platform, Proton, to optimize ADC payloads.
- Continuation and expansion of AI-driven small molecule discovery efforts, with new additional targets nominated by Pfizer.
Rights & Responsibilities- PostEra:
- Will leverage its Proton AI platform for generative chemistry and synthesis-aware design to optimize small molecules and ADC payloads.
- Will continue to support multiple Pfizer drug discovery programs through the AI Lab.
- Pfizer:
- Will provide upfront and milestone payments.
- Will nominate new discovery targets and expand the scope of existing programs.
Financial Terms- PostEra will receive a $12M upfront payment.
- Eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties on any approved products from the collaboration.
- The total AI-driven drug discovery collaboration is now valued at $610M.
Regulatory Approval- Not explicitly mentioned, but regulatory approval will be required for any drugs resulting from the collaboration.
Overall SummaryPostEra and Pfizer have expanded their AI-driven drug discovery collaboration from $260M to $610M, adding ADC payload optimization to their existing small molecule programs. PostEra will use its Proton AI platform to accelerate drug discovery and development, receiving an upfront payment of $12M, with potential milestone and royalty payments. This marks PostEra’s third major partnership with Pfizer, further solidifying its position in AI-driven medicinal chemistry. |
Insilico Medicine, Menarini, Stemline Therapeutics | Jan 2025 | 550 | Licensing agreement for AI discovered preclinical asset | Menarini and Stemline Therapeutics and Insilico Medicine announced companies have entered exclusive licensing agreement granting Stemline global rights to develop and commercialize preclinical small molecule targeting high unmet needs in oncology Asset is highly selective and potentially best-in-class small molecule inhibitor targeting broad range of solid tumor cancers developed with Chemistry42 Insilico’s generative chemistry engine and Insilico’s drug discovery team Asset has successfully completed preclinical development and has demonstrated broad anti-tumor activity in selected cancers Stemline will provide a $20 million upfront payment to Insilico Combined value of deal including all development, regulatory, and commercial milestones is over $550 million Tiered royalties Prior to this collaboration, the Menarini Group and Insilico entered an exclusive licensing agreement in January 2024 for MEN2312, an innovative small molecule for breast cancer treatment and other oncology indications. |
Merck and Co, WuXi Biologics | Jan 2025 | 521 | Asset purchase agreement for vaccines manufacturing facility | MSD has agreed to acquire the WuXi Vaccines manufacturing facility located in Dundalk, Co Louth Acquisition signifies an investment of over €500 million |
Beijing InnoCare Pharma, Keymed Biosciences, Prolium Bioscience | Jan 2025 | 520 | Licensing and development agreement for CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody | Key Deal Terms of the InnoCare, KeyMed, and Prolium License Agreement for ICP-B02 Agreement Scope - InnoCare Pharma and KeyMed Biosciences, along with their joint venture, have granted Prolium Bioscience an exclusive license for ICP-B02 (CM355), a CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody. - Prolium will have exclusive global rights for the non-oncology field and exclusive ex-Asia rights for the oncology field. Financial Terms - InnoCare and KeyMed will receive aggregate payments of up to $520 million, including upfront, near-term, and milestone-based payments. - The companies will also receive a minority equity stake in Prolium. - Tiered royalties on future net sales of any product resulting from the collaboration will be paid to InnoCare and KeyMed. About ICP-B02 (CM355) - ICP-B02 is a CD20×CD3 bispecific antibody developed by InnoCare and KeyMed, designed to target tumor cells by redirecting T cells for destruction through T-cell Directed Cellular Cytotoxicity (TDCC). - A Phase I/II trial in China is ongoing to evaluate its efficacy in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). - Early data has shown promise in both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations. - Plans are in place for a dose expansion study in combination with other immunochemotherapies, with IND approval secured. About Prolium - Prolium is a Delaware-based company funded by RTW Investments, LP, a global investment firm specializing in biopharmaceutical and medical technology innovations. |