BioNTech SE has acquired Biotheus, a biotechnology company specializing in antibody therapies for cancer and inflammatory diseases, in a move to strengthen its oncology pipeline.
This acquisition provides BioNTech with full global rights to BNT327/PM8002, an investigational bispecific antibody targeting PD-L1 and VEGF-A, aimed at potentially surpassing current checkpoint inhibitors for solid tumors.
BioNTech plans to begin multiple registrational trials for BNT327/PM8002 in late 2024 and 2025, focusing on its application in combination treatments across a range of solid tumor types.
BioNTech will pay $800 million upfront, with potential milestone payments of up to $150 million, subject to regulatory approval and other conditions. The transaction, expected to close in early 2025, also expands BioNTech's operations in China, adding an R&D hub and a biologics manufacturing facility to support its global ambitions.
The deal follows a 2023 license agreement with Biotheus that granted BioNTech rights to develop and commercialize BNT327/PM8002 outside of Greater China.