GSK will acquire a clinical-stage dual CD19 and CD20-targeted T cell-engager (TCE) from Chimagen Biosciences for $300 million upfront.
GSK plans to develop and commercialize the asset, CMG1A46, with a focus on B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis, with potential to expand into related autoimmune diseases.
In addition to the upfront payment, the China-based biotech is eligible to receive success-based development and commercial milestone payments for CMG1A46 totaling $550 million.
CMG1A46 is currently in phase I clinical trials in leukemia and lymphoma in both the U.S. and China. GSK aims to begin a phase I trial in lupus in 2025.
The drug adds another asset to GSK's lupus arsenal. The drugmaker picked up a
BLyS-specific inhibitor, Benlysta, for systemic lupus through an acquisition of Human Genome Sciences in 2012. Now a blockbuster, Benlysta has racked up subsequent approvals, notably becoming the first treatment for U.S. adult patients with active lupus nephritis in 2020.