Sanofi has announced that it will acquire Kymab, adding KY1005 and KY1044 to its pipeline. By the acquisition, Sanofi is expecting to expand its immunology portfolio. In 2019, the company announced that it would focus on oncology, hematology, rare diseases, and neurology to increase its growth.
Sanofi will acquire Kymab with an upfront payment of $1.1 billion; $350 million will be paid upon on achievement of milestones.
Also read: Japan healthcare system KY1005 is a human monoclonal antibody that targets OX40L, a vital regulator of the immune system. Kymab announced that the drug acts by 'rebalancing,' stopping the inappropriate activation and proliferation of 'pro-inflammatory' effector T cells plus aiding the growth of ‘anti-inflammatory’ regulatory T cells.
Kymab announced the clinical results of KY1005; the product has met both the primary endpoints in the Phase 2a trial in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The patients included were previously treated with topical corticosteroids.
Sanofi will also acquire the rights of another monoclonal antibody, KY 1044. The drug is in the Phase I/II trial for solid tumors as a monotherapy or combination with atezolizumab. Ky1044 acts by depleting intra-tumoral regulatory T cells and by stimulating the ICOS-positive effector T cells.
Previously Sanofi has acquired Principia Biopharma to strengthen the autoimmune and allergic portfolio. With this acquisition, Sanofi has added ‘168 and rilzabrutinib to its pipeline.