Bristol Myers Squibb and BioNTech have announced a strategic collaboration to co-develop and co-commercialize BNT327, an investigational bispecific antibody for numerous solid tumor types. This ground-breaking partnership aims to leverage BioNTech’s innovative approach to expedite clinical trials, reduce time to market, and explore additional potential indications. Coupled with Bristol Myers Squibb’s renowned expertise in delivering pioneering medicines, the collaboration underscores a commitment to advancing oncology treatments via novel mechanisms and modalities.
BNT327, a next-generation bispecific antibody candidate targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, is currently being assessed in multiple ongoing trials, with over 1,000 patients treated so far. Global Phase 3 trials with registrational potential are evaluating BNT327 as a first-line treatment in extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A global Phase 3 trial evaluating the candidate in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is expected to commence by the end of 2025. Preliminary data from these ongoing trials underline the potential of amalgamating anti-PD-L1 and anti-VEGF-A into a single molecule, thus delivering synergistic clinical benefits across multiple tumor types.
The agreement encompasses the joint development and commercialization of BNT327, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other products. Both companies have the right to independently develop BNT327 for further indications and combinations, including with proprietary pipeline assets.
Prof. Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of BioNTech, expressed optimism about the potential of BNT327, stating that it could become a foundational immuno-oncology backbone, moving beyond single-mechanism checkpoint inhibitors and expanding into multiple solid-tumor indications. He emphasized that this collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb, a pioneering leader in immuno-oncology, would accelerate and expand BNT327’s development to fully realize its potential.
Echoing a similar sentiment, Christopher Boerner, Ph.D., Board Chair and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, stated that their deep experience and expertise in advancing and delivering groundbreaking immuno-oncology medicines positions their company well to collaboratively realize the potential of BNT327. He added that the science behind BNT327 and its leading clinical position in multiple hard-to-treat tumor types further bolsters their pursuit of novel mechanisms and multiple modalities in oncology.
In financial terms, Bristol Myers Squibb will pay BioNTech $1.5 billion upfront and $2 billion total in non-contingent anniversary payments through 2028. BioNTech is also eligible to receive up to $7.6 billion in additional development, regulatory, and commercial milestones. Both companies will equally share joint development and manufacturing costs, with global profits/losses also being equally shared.
This strategic alliance signifies a significant step towards enhancing immuno-oncology therapies, particularly in hard-to-treat tumor types. By combining the expertise of two biotech giants, it seeks to broaden the scope of available treatments and improve patient outcomes in the oncology landscape. This collaboration is a testament to a promising future for precision medicine in cancer treatment with the potential to revolutionize the standard of care for patients with solid tumors.
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