Zymeworks to receive one mn dollars bispecific antibody research milestone from Daaichi Sankyo

Under the terms of their existing agreement signed on September 26, 2016, Zymeworks granted Daiichi Sankyo a license to Zymeworks’ Azymetric and EFECT platforms to develop a bispecific antibody therapeutic for which Zymeworks is eligible to receive preclinical, clinical and commercial milestone payments, as well as up to double-digit tiered royalties on global product sales. Additionally, Zymeworks obtained a license to certain immuno-oncology antibodies from Daiichi Sankyo, with the right to research, develop and commercialize multiple bispecific products globally in exchange for royalties on global product sales.

“We are very excited by the rapid progress we have made in our collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo, which further demonstrates the versatility and biophysical robustness of the Azymetric platform, and we continue to work closely with Daiichi Sankyo towards advancing this potential immuno-oncology therapeutic towards the clinic,” said Dr. Ali Tehrani, president and CEO of Zymeworks. “In parallel, we are continuing to develop and advance other novel immunomodulatory bispecific antibodies incorporating the immuno-oncology antibodies that were in-licensed from Daiichi Sankyo to expand Zymeworks’ pipeline of therapeutic candidates.”

“We are pleased that we have been able to reach this research milestone for the development of this bispecific antibody with Zymeworks,” said Toshinori Agatsuma, Ph.D., vice president, Biologics & Immuno-Oncology Laboratories at Daiichi Sankyo. “We look forward to continued success with this collaboration to help strengthen our bispecific antibody development capabilities in order to help change the standard of care for patients with cancer.”

The Azymetric platform consists of a library of proprietary amino acid substitutions that enable the transformation of monospecific antibodies into bispecific antibodies, which gives them the ability to simultaneously bind two non overlapping epitopes, or antigens. Azymetric bispecific technology enables the development of biotherapeutics with dual-targeting of receptors/ligands and simultaneous blockade of multiple signaling pathways, increasing tumor specific targeting and efficacy while reducing toxicities and the potential for drug-resistance. Additionally, the dual -targeting of Azymetric antibodies has demonstrated synergistic efficacy in preclinical studies through simultaneous binding relative to the application of an equivalent dose of the corresponding monospecific antibodies. Azymetric bispecifics can also be engineered to enhance internalization of the antibody into the tumor cell and consequently increase the delivery of cytotoxic payloads.

First-generation bispecific platforms significantly alter the structure of monoclonal antibodies or rely upon complex and proprietary manufacturing processes. Azymetric bispecifics, in contrast, retain the desirable drug-like qualities of monoclonal antibodies, including long half-life, stability and low immunogenic potential, which increases their probability of success. Azymetric bispecifics are also compatible with standard manufacturing processes with high yields and purity, which accelerates manufacturing timelines and reduces costs.

The EFECT platform is a library of antibody Fc region modifications engineered to modulate the activity of the antibody-mediated immune response, which includes both the up and down-regulation of effector functions. This platform is compatible with traditional monoclonal antibodies as well as Azymetric bispecific antibodies, which further enables the customization of therapeutic responses for different diseases.

Zymeworks is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation multifunctional biotherapeutics, initially focused on the treatment of cancer. 

Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets.

Zymeworks, dollars bispecific, antibody research milestone, daaichi sankyo