Lilly Inks $786M Deal for First-in-Class WISP1 Antibody MTX-463 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Jan 11, 2025 09:47 CST Updated 09:47

Mediar Therapeutics

Biopharmaceutical Manufacturer

Eli Lilly

Global Pharmaceutical R&D and Production Company

January 10,Boston, MA – Mediar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, announced a global licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company to advance MTX-463 into a Phase 2 clinical trial for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MTX-463 is a human IgG1 antibody designed to neutralize WISP1-mediated fibrotic signaling in several debilitating diseases. A Phase 1 study recently completed in healthy volunteers showed that MTX-463 was well-tolerated at all tested doses and bound to WISP1. The Phase 2 study in IPF aims to evaluate safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in patients. The trial is expected to initiate in the first half of 2025, conducted by Mediar. Upon completion of the Phase 2 study, Eli Lilly will have the right to lead all further clinical development and commercialization of the program.New Star! $105 Million Series A Financing, Five Major Pharmaceutical Giants Bet Simultaneously）

Mediar Therapeutics Chief Executive Officer Rahul Ballal, Ph.D., said:"This collaboration supports our unique myofibroblast-directed approach to treating fibrotic diseases, as well as our mission to deliver first-in-class therapies to patients with unmet medical needs. By combining Eli Lilly and Company’s unparalleled expertise in delivering life-changing medicines to patients with our innovative scientific approach, we are excited to advance a robust Phase 2 IPF program that could lead to new therapies to halt fibrosis."

MTX-463 is a first-in-class human IgG1 antibody developed against WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-1 (WISP1). WISP1 is a secreted matricellular protein that plays a relevant role in fibrosis progression, can be measured in human blood, and correlates with disease severity.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mediar will receive a total of $99 million, including upfront and near-term milestone payments. Mediar is also eligible to receive up to an additional $687 million in potential downstream development and commercialization milestones. In addition, Mediar is entitled to receive high single-digit to low double-digit royalties and net sales milestones based on future potential product sales.

Mark Genovese, M.D., Senior Vice President of Immunology Development at Eli Lilly and Company, said:"Mediar's scientific approach and experienced team have created new, potentially first-class therapies for fibrotic diseases, including MTX-463. The collaboration with Mediar reflects our dedication to fostering innovation, and we look forward to working with the Mediar team to advance the development of MTX-463, with the hope of bringing a new treatment option to patients with IPF."

In addition to MTX-463, Mediar Therapeutics will continue to independently advance its two wholly-owned programs for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. MTX-474 is a human IgG1 antibody designed to neutralize EphrinB2 signaling, which leads to fibrosis, and is currently completing a Phase 1 clinical study. Mediar anticipates initiating a Phase 2 trial of MTX-474 for the treatment of systemic sclerosis in the second half of 2025. Mediar's third novel fibrosis program, targeting SMOC2, is also progressing, with plans to nominate a clinical candidate in the first half of 2025.

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