Simcere Zaiming has granted Roche exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize SIM0660, a tri-specific antibody being developed for B-cell-mediated diseases, in a deal that could bring the Chinese biotechnology company up to $1.53 billion.
Under the agreement, Roche will pay Simcere Zaiming $75 million upfront. Simcere Zaiming is also eligible for up to $1.455 billion in additional payments tied to development, regulatory and commercial milestones, as well as tiered royalties that can reach double-digit percentages of future net sales.
SIM0660 targets CD79a, CD19 and CD3. It was developed through Simcere Zaiming’s T-cell engager poly-specific antibody technology platform and is designed to direct T cells against B cells.
The molecule combines a CD3-engaging arm with binding domains for the B-cell antigens CD79a and CD19. Simcere Zaiming said the dual targeting is intended to produce T-cell-mediated killing of B cells while limiting cytokine release.
The company said SIM0660 may have potential across B-cell-mediated diseases, including B-cell-mediated autoimmune conditions. It is designed to provide broader coverage of B cells through the combined CD79a and CD19 approach and may offer a treatment option for patients previously treated with therapies directed at CD20 or CD19.
In autoimmune diseases, the targeted depletion of pathogenic B cells could potentially provide clinical benefit, according to Simcere Zaiming. The companies did not disclose SIM0660’s clinical-development stage, specific initial indications, development timeline or expected timing for clinical studies.
Renhong Tang, chairman and chief executive of Simcere Zaiming, said the agreement is intended to accelerate global clinical development of the program. Boris L. Zaïtra, Roche’s head of corporate business development, said the transaction reflects Roche’s interest in partnering with companies developing new treatments for patients with B-cell-mediated diseases.
Simcere Zaiming is an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company and a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Simcere Pharmaceutical Group. It has launched products in China including Enzeshu, COSELA, Enweida, Endostar and Enlituo.
The Roche transaction is Simcere Pharmaceutical Group’s sixth completed out-licensing deal. The company said its out-licensing agreements have potential aggregate total consideration exceeding $6.1 billion.
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