WuXi Biologics and GSK Enter into License Agreement for Multiple Innovative TCE Bispecific/Multispecific Antibodies

ShanghaiJanuary 5, 2023PR Newswire -- WuXi Biologics (2269.HK), a global leading Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) service company, announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline PLC. (LSE/NYSE: GSK). GSK will obtain exclusive rights to up to four TCE bispecific/multispecific antibodies developed based on WuXi Biologics' patented technology platform.

According to the agreement, GSK will obtain global exclusive rights for research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of a preclinical bispecific antibody and up to three additional TCE antibodies at the early discovery stage. The bispecific antibody targets tumor-associated antigens (TAA) on the surface of tumor cells and CD3 antigens on the surface of T cells. By binding to tumor cells and T cells, it specifically activates T cells, thereby killing tumor cells and generating anti-tumor activity. WuXi Biologics will receive a $40 million upfront payment and milestone payments of up to $1.46 billion for the research, development, registration, and commercialization of the four TCE antibodies. WuXi Biologics is also eligible to receive tiered sales royalties based on net sales.

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, stated: "This licensing agreement with GSK once again demonstrates the superiority of WuXi Biologics' potential best-in-class CD3 antibody technology platform and our leading bispecific antibody technology platform, WuXiBody®. It also highlights the strengths of the 'R' (Research Services) in our unique CRDMO business model. This collaboration reflects our relentless efforts to provide a high-quality, open biotechnology platform to global customers with strong execution as the fulcrum. We look forward to empowering GSK to bring these promising therapies to patients as soon as possible, offering new treatment hope to more patients worldwide."

Senior Vice President of Research at GSKJohn Lepore stated, "This licensing agreement with WuXi Biologics will introduce a potential Best-in-Class TCE antibody to GSK, further expanding the company's portfolio of targeted oncology drugs. These optimized antibodies not only demonstrate potent anti-tumor efficacy but also exhibit excellent safety, with the potential to address significant unmet medical needs and provide possible treatment options for cancer patients across multiple indications."