Janssen and Genmab in licence option deal

The exclusive agreement builds on Genmab’s Darzalex (daratumumab) collaboration with Janssen. According to the Copenhagen-based biopharma company, HexaBody-CD38 could potentially add to the Darzalex multiple myeloma franchise in Darzalex-resistant patients and thus expand the potential of CD38-targeted therapies in further indications.

The HexaBody technology enhances the assembly of antibody hexamers  after target binding at the cell surface  transforming antibodies with limited or absent omplement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) into cytotoxic antibodies. IgG1 hexamerisation occurs by intermolecular Fc:Fc interactions and is critical for C1q binding and complement activation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Genmab will fund all R&D activities until completion of clinical proof of concept studies in blood cancers multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Based on the results, Janssen may acquire a worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialise HexaBody-CD38.

Given this case, Janssen woud pay Genmab a $150m upfront and up to $125m in milestones, as well as a flat royalty rate of 20% on sales of HexaBody-CD38 until 2031, followed by 13-20% tiered royalties on sales thereafter.

Genmab said it obtained promising pre-clinical data for HexaBody-CD38 in a panel of multiple myeloma, lymphoma and leukemia models.