Roche Secures $1B Biobucks Deal for Respiratory Disease Bispecific Antibody from Qyuns Therapeutics

In a significant move to bolster its respiratory disease pipeline, Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has inked a licensing agreement with Chinese biotech firm Qyuns Therapeutics. The deal, potentially worth over $1 billion, centers on QX031N, a clinical-stage bispecific antibody targeting both human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and human interleukin-33 (IL-33).

Deal Structure and Financial Details

Roche will pay Qyuns Therapeutics an upfront sum of $75 million for the global rights to QX031N. The agreement includes potential milestone payments of up to $995 million, contingent on achieving various development, regulatory, and commercialization targets. Additionally, Qyuns stands to receive tiered royalties should the antibody reach the market.

QX031N: A Promising Dual-Action Therapeutic

QX031N represents a novel approach to treating respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. The bispecific antibody targets two key proteins, TSLP and IL-33, which are released in response to allergens, viruses, pollution, and mechanical stimuli. By simultaneously inhibiting these two pathways, Qyuns aims to position QX031N as a potential "best-in-disease" therapy for these challenging respiratory conditions.

This strategic acquisition comes at a crucial time for Roche, following recent setbacks in its COPD pipeline. The company's anti-ST2 monoclonal antibody, astegolimab, failed to meet its primary endpoint in a phase 3 study earlier this year, delaying plans for regulatory submission.

Qyuns Therapeutics: Leveraging Rabbit Antibody Technology

Qyuns Therapeutics, based in Shanghai, has built its portfolio on a proprietary rabbit monoclonal antibody (mAb) development platform. The company asserts that rabbit-derived antibodies offer advantages in affinity, specificity, and ease of humanization, potentially leading to enhanced bioactivity and reduced immunogenicity risks.

Beyond QX031N, Qyuns boasts a diverse pipeline, including Sailexin, a biosimilar of Johnson & Johnson's Stelara, which has already gained approval in China. The biotech also has several other candidates in clinical trials, such as an anti-IL-4Rα mAb for various inflammatory conditions and an IL-17A inhibitor for ankylosing spondylitis.