BioNTech and Duality Biologics Team Up to Develop ADC Drug Candidates
BioNTech and China-based Duality Biologics have inked a licensing and collaboration deal to develop two antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
ADCs combine antibodies and their targeting abilities with either chemotherapy or other anticancer agents.
Under the terms of the partnership, BioNTech will gain access to Duality Biologics’ lead candidate DB-1303, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor-based ADC aimed towards human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is expressed in several cancers, including breast, bladder, pancreatic, ovarian and stomach cancers.
DB-1303 has shown potent antitumor activity in both HER2-positive and HER2-low tumor models, the companies said. The FDA has granted Fast Track Designation to DB-1303 and the drug candidate is being evaluated in a phase 2 clinical trial in HER2-expressing advanced solid tumors.
The partnership will also give BioNTech access to DB-1311, a second topoisomerase-1 inhibitor-based ADC candidate that has potential in a range of cancers.
Duality Biologics will receive upfront payments totaling $170 million and is eligible for potential milestone payments of more than $1.5 billion.
BioNTech will gain rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize the two ADCs globally except in greater China.
April 10, 2023
