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Biocytogen, a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies, and Whitehawk Therapeutics, Inc. (Whitehawk), a clinical-stage oncology therapeutics company, announced a global collaboration to develop bispecific antibody-drug conjugates (BsADC). Biocytogen will provide access to up to five bispecific antibodies using its proprietary RenLite platform, and Whitehawk will evaluate these in combination with its ADC linker-payload platform technologies. Whitehawk then has the option to advance any resulting BsADC candidates as part of its pipeline.
Based on a common light-chain design, RenLite supports the discovery, screening, and optimization of fully human bispecific antibodies across diverse target combinations, while reducing the risk of light-chain mispairing and providing a robust molecular foundation for subsequent BsADC development. By bringing together the complementary capabilities of Biocytogen and Whitehawk, the collaboration aims to identify BsADC candidates with differentiated targeting profiles and therapeutic potential.
“Whitehawk has established strong expertise in ADC technology and oncology drug development,” said Dr. Yuelei Shen, president and CEO of Biocytogen. “This collaboration further expands the application of Biocytogen’s fully human bispecific antibodies in ADC development. We look forward to supporting the efficient advancement of multiple programs by contributing high-quality antibody molecules and integrated research capabilities to identify differentiated therapeutic candidates and ultimately bringing new treatment options to patients with cancer.”
“Bispecific antibodies are a promising approach to broadening our targeting strategies, and Biocytogen’s established platform provides a robust framework for exploring this modality in combination with our ADC platform,” said Dave Lennon, PhD, chief executive officer of Whitehawk Therapeutics. “We are excited about the potential of this collaboration to expand our pipeline opportunities and support our ambition to deliver new ADC INDs in the next 12-24 months.”
Under the financial terms of the agreement, Biocytogen will receive an upfront payment and is eligible for development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as low single-digit royalties on net sales. Additional financial terms were not disclosed. If Whitehawk exercises its option to advance any resulting BsADC candidates, Whitehawk will hold global rights and full program control of the BsADCs.
Biocytogen is a global biotechnology company that drives the research and development of novel antibody-based drugs with innovative technologies. Founded on gene editing technology, Biocytogen has established a dual-engine platform combining a fully human antibody library with an extensive target-humanized mouse model portfolio, enabling a systematic approach to accelerating global drug discovery and development.
Whitehawk Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology therapeutics company applying advanced technologies to established tumour biology to efficiently deliver improved cancer treatments.
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