Boehringer licenses Synaffix's ADC tech in $1.3bn deal

Boehringer Ingelheim has entered into a significant licensing agreement with Synaffix, a company specializing in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. This deal, valued at over $1.3 billion, aims to enhance the ADC offerings of Boehringer's subsidiary, NBE Therapeutics. The agreement includes a number of targets, although the exact details remain undisclosed. The focus is to expand the portfolio of ADCs, which are emerging as an innovative class of cancer treatment. These drugs uniquely combine the specificity of antibodies with the potent cell-destroying capabilities of chemotherapeutic agents, targeting tumor cells specifically while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

In return for this strategic collaboration, Synaffix’s parent company, Lonza, will receive an undisclosed upfront payment. Additionally, Synaffix stands to earn up to $1.3 billion in milestone payments, along with royalties based on the net sales of the products that arise from this partnership.

Lamine Mbow, the global head of discovery research at Boehringer Ingelheim, expressed optimism about the collaboration. He highlighted the company's ambition to develop a comprehensive range of ADCs targeting novel tumor spaces, aiming to create next-generation cancer treatments. By integrating Boehringer’s expertise in cancer treatment development with Synaffix’s advanced platform technology, they hope to accelerate the creation of groundbreaking cancer therapies, ultimately improving outcomes for patients battling cancer.

The ADC platform technology developed by Synaffix is noteworthy for its enzymatic modification of glycan anchor points on antibodies. This innovation facilitates the development of ADCs and bispecifics, utilizing three core technologies: GlycoConnect, HydraSpace, and toxSYN. Together, these technologies provide a streamlined pathway for any company with an antibody to produce ADCs under a single license from Synaffix.

Peter van de Sande, the head of Synaffix, remarked that this agreement signifies the successful conclusion of a preclinical evaluation of their technology. This partnership marks a significant milestone for Synaffix as it transitions its advanced preclinical ADC technology into clinical applications through Boehringer Ingelheim’s development pipeline.

Last year, Boehringer Ingelheim embarked on several strategic ventures to enhance its capabilities in cancer treatment. Notably, in July, the company acquired Nerio Therapeutics for $1.3 billion to strengthen its immuno-oncology pipeline. During the same period, Boehringer also partnered with Brainomix, an artificial intelligence firm, to improve the treatment of fibrosing lung disease in the United States. Furthermore, in January of the previous year, Boehringer established a second partnership with 3T Biosciences to advance next-generation cancer immunotherapies. This collaboration builds on the successful completion of their initial oncology research partnership, further demonstrating Boehringer's commitment to advancing cancer treatment through innovative technologies and strategic partnerships.