Candid and EpimAb Collaborate to Develop T-Cell Engagers for Autoimmune Diseases

SAN DIEGO & SHANGHAI—Candid Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology firm with a focus on T-cell engagers for autoimmune diseases, has announced a strategic partnership with EpimAb Biotherapeutics, Inc., a company known for its development of multi-specific antibodies addressing high unmet medical needs. This collaboration is set to spearhead the discovery and development of innovative T-cell Engager (TCE) candidates targeting various autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Ken Song, Candid’s Chairman, President, and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with EpimAb, acknowledging their scientific expertise and capabilities in antibody design. Dr. Chengbin Wu, CEO and founder of EpimAb, echoed this excitement, highlighting Candid’s leadership and resources as pivotal for maximizing the potential of TCEs in treating autoimmune conditions. He emphasized the flexibility and promise of EpimAb’s proprietary bispecific and TCE platforms, viewing the partnership as further affirmation of their strategic approach.

The collaboration agreement stipulates that EpimAb will receive an upfront payment along with potential developmental and sales milestone payments exceeding $1 billion, contingent upon the progression and commercialization of multiple drug candidates. Additionally, EpimAb will earn royalties on net sales derived from the collaboration. Candid will hold exclusive global rights to develop and market any programs discovered during the joint venture.

Candid Therapeutics is committed to leading advancements in T-cell engagers aimed at B-cell depletion for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The company is currently progressing two primary B-cell depleting TCE antibody drug candidates. Their objective is to extensively explore the potential of TCEs across various autoimmune diseases by targeting different B-cell proteins and examining varying levels of B-cell depletion. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in San Diego, Candid is led by a team of entrepreneurial executives with a proven track record in advancing development programs. The company is backed by a distinguished group of premier life science investors.

EpimAb Biotherapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to the development of multi-specific antibodies. The company leverages a wide array of in-house research and technology capabilities, including their proprietary FIT-Ig (Fabs-In-Tandem Immunoglobulin) and MAT-Fab (Monovalent Asymmetric Tandem Fab) bispecific platforms. These platforms enable EpimAb to generate and advance a unique and transformative pipeline of preclinical and clinical assets, primarily aimed at benefiting cancer patients worldwide.

Both companies see this partnership as a significant step forward in their mission to address unmet medical needs in the field of autoimmune diseases. Through this collaboration, they aim to harness their combined expertise to push the boundaries of T-cell engager technology and deliver innovative therapeutic solutions. This strategic alliance represents a promising advancement in the ongoing efforts to better understand and combat autoimmune disorders through cutting-edge biotechnological research and development.