Under the agreement, BeiGene will buy an exclusive option for a global clinical and commercial license to DualityBio’s investigational, preclinical ADC therapy for patients with select solid tumours
BeiGene, DualityBio partner on ADC therapy. (Credit: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)
Biotechnology company BeiGene has entered into an agreement with DualityBio to advance differentiated antibody drug conjugate (ADC) therapy for solid tumours.
Under the agreement, China-based BeiGene will buy an exclusive option for a global clinical and commercial license to DualityBio’s investigational, preclinical ADC therapy for patients with select solid tumours.
BeiGene R&D global head Lai Wang said: “With one of the industry’s leading global oncology research teams, we are investing in highly impactful therapeutic modalities such as ADCs that complement our dynamic and growing pipeline in solid tumours.
“Through this strategic partnership with DualityBio, we are well positioned to advance this asset globally alongside our initial internally discovered ADC assets with our end-to-end ADC manufacturing capabilities.”
According to the terms of the contract, BeiGene will make an upfront payment to the ADC company upon exercising the option.
DualityBio will be given an upfront payment and will be entitled to additional payments based upon the accomplishment of specific development, regulatory, and commercial milestones, amounting to up to $1.3bn, in addition to tiered royalties.
The biotechnology company will control all global clinical, manufacturing, and commercial rights after exercising its option.
Furthermore, DualityBio will conduct all research through investigational new drug application (IND) -enabling studies and supporting BeiGene’s upcoming IND filings.
DualityBio CEO John Zhu said: “Duality is dedicated to becoming a leading next-generation ADC company, and the assets built upon our DITAC platform show encouraging efficacy and safety in preclinical as well as global clinical studies.
“We are excited to partner with BeiGene to accelerate the development of this asset. In combining the strengths of BeiGene and Duality, we believe more breakthrough ADC medicines will be brought to patients worldwide.”
In May this year, BeiGene secured approval from Health Canada for BRUKINSA (zanubrutinib) to treat adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).