Sanofi will have access to Biomunex’s technology, BiXAb platform, to generate and optimize antibody therapeutics, both bi-specific and multi-specific.
Biomunex’ platform format enables the configuring of monospecific monoclonal antibodies as building blocks with minimal engineering therefore generating bi- and multi- specific antibodies.
The company states that the platform has all the properties expected of this kind of technology including modularity, manufacturability, and multi-specificity potential, making the platform capable of developing immuno-oncology drug candidates with anti-tumor activity.
The platform is also capable of generating bi- and multi-specific antibodies in other therapeutic areas, such as immune-mediated inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Per the agreement, Sanofi will be responsible for the research, development, manufacturing, and global commercialization activities of the project. Biomunex will receive initial upfront payments and will be eligible to receive additional clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments.
In a statement, Pierre-Emmanuel Gerard, founder and CEO of Biomunex, said that the licensing agreement is the starting point for the company’s collaboration strategy with pharmaceutical companies to discover and develop antibody treatments.
Biomunex stated that this agreement is the first licensing and collaboration agreements it has entered for the platform. Licensing agreements align with the company’s business model.
“We believe that the proceeds from this deal, together with the funding round that we expect to finalize in the near future, will help us accelerate the development of Biomunex’ proprietary BiXAb bi- and multi-specific antibody programs in immuno-oncology and other therapeutic areas towards clinical development,” Gerard added.