In a strategic move following the recent setback in its IL-15 asset trials, Sotio Biotech has embarked on an ambitious endeavor by entering a significant agreement valued at $740 million in potential biobucks. This initiative is designed to tap into the promising domain of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) through a partnership with Synaffix, a leader in ADC technologies.
The primary focus of this collaboration is an initial ADC program, with the flexibility to incorporate two more programs in the future. Synaffix will take charge of manufacturing components specifically related to its proprietary technologies, while Sotio will oversee the research, development, and commercialization of resulting ADCs. In return for their collaboration, Synaffix stands to gain up to $740 million, including signature, target nomination, and milestone payments, as well as a share of royalties if the research yields successful outcomes.
Also Read: Sotio Halts Trials Of IL-15 Drug In Solid Tumors Due To Lack Of Efficacy, Casting Doubt On Cytokine’s Potential
This strategic move comes on the heels of Sotio’s decision to discontinue trials of their most advanced candidate, the IL-15 superagonist known as nanrilkefusp alf, due to unsatisfactory interim data. Sotio had already been shifting its focus towards the promising field of ADCs, with one asset in early-stage trials for gastric and pancreatic cancers, in addition to their ongoing development of CAR-T therapies in the preclinical phase.
“At Sotio, we are building a broad pipeline of next-generation ADCs to address the challenges of solid tumors – and access to Synaffix’s ADC platform technologies will ensure we remain at the leading edge of this space. This collaboration combining Sotio’s deep expertise in solid tumor drug development with Synaffix’s clinical-stage platform technology will drive important new innovations for the benefit of patients.”
– Radek Spisek, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer of Sotio
Notably, Synaffix, a Dutch biotech company, was acquired by Swiss CDMO Lonza for 100 million euros ($105 million) earlier in June, underscoring the high demand for their expertise in ADC technologies. The pharmaceutical industry has recognized their potential, with a significant endorsement from Amgen in the form of a $2 billion cancer-focused pact at the beginning of the year.
Also Read: Lonza Bolsters Antibody-Drug Conjugates Portfolio With Synaffix Acquisition
Peter van de Sande, Head of Synaffix, highlighted the significance of Sotio’s choice to collaborate, acknowledging it as a substantial validation of their technologies’ potential to maximize the therapeutic impact of ADCs.
“Synaffix’s ADC technology perfectly complements the technologies already in Sotio’s ADC platform, including the iADC technology licensed from NBE-Therapeutics and the ConjuALL technology licensed from LegoChem. The addition of Synaffix’s capabilities will greatly expand our ability to select and tailor the most suitable ADC technology and payload for the needs of a particular target and particular solid tumor indication.”
– Martin Steegmaier, chief scientific officer of Sotio
This collaboration signifies an exciting new chapter in Sotio’s mission to advance the field of cancer treatment and demonstrates their commitment to exploring innovative solutions for patients in need.
“The selection of our ADC technologies by a seasoned ADC player like SOTIO is a strong recognition of the potential of these technologies to maximize the therapeutic index of ADCs. We look forward to partnering with SOTIO, and believe that with their singular focus on cancer immunotherapies and robust clinical pipeline, this partnership can deliver innovative medicines for patients in areas of high unmet medical need.”
– Peter van de Sande, head of Synaffix
