Gilead strikes deal with Merus, hoping three is better than two

2024-03-06

临床1期引进/卖出抗体药物偶联物

Gilead Sciences is looking to trump the success of bispecific antibodies in oncology by teaming up with Merus on antibody-based T-cell engagers that can bind to three targets at once.

"We have seen the successful application of bispecific antibodies," remarked Flavius Martin, executive vice president of research at Gilead, adding "we are now looking ahead to the development of additional multispecific antibodies capable of driving robust anti-tumour immune responses with an improved efficacy and safety profile."

The companies will utilise Merus’ Triclonics platform as part of efforts to discover novel dual tumour-associated antigen (TAA)-targeting trispecific antibodies. Merus will lead the early-stage work across two programmes, with the option to pursue a third. In exchange, Gilead has the option to license the programmes, after which it would be responsible for all R&D and commercialisation activities.

Milestones of $1.5B

Under the agreed terms, Gilead will make an upfront cash payment of $56 million and invest $25 million in Merus’ common shares. Meanwhile, Merus is eligible to receive up to $1.5 billion from Gilead including additional near-term and option payments, as well as milestones and tiered sales royalties ranging from the mid-single to low-double digits. For the third potential programme, Merus may opt-in to equally share profits.

Gilead has an existing collaboration with MacroGenics for development of the CD123xCD3 bispecific DART molecule MGD024, which is currently in Phase I testing. That agreement included a similar upfront payment to the Merus deal, as well as up to $1.7 billion in fees and milestones, plus tiered, double-digit sales royalties on MGD024.

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