Climb Bio licenses CLYM116 development to Mabworks

Climb Bio has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Beijing Mabworks Biotech to develop and market the anti-A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) monoclonal antibody, known as CLYM116, outside the Greater China region. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing immune-mediated diseases, particularly IgA nephropathy.

As part of the agreement, Climb Bio will make an initial payment of $9 million to Mabworks. Furthermore, Mabworks will receive additional milestone payments and royalties contingent upon achieving certain development, regulatory, and commercial targets. Climb Bio is set to pay tiered royalties on net sales outside of Greater China, ranging from low to mid-single digits.

Dr. Feng Li, the general manager and board chairman of Mabworks, emphasized the potential of CLYM116, formerly known as MIL116, in meeting the needs of patients with IgA nephropathy. He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Climb Bio, highlighting the collaboration as an opportunity to rapidly advance the program to clinical trials.

CLYM116 is particularly geared towards treating patients with IgA nephropathy, a condition characterized by deposits of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the kidneys, as well as other diseases mediated by B-cells. The antibody’s design, which includes Fc engineering, focuses on inhibiting APRIL signaling—a crucial pathway in B-cell-mediated conditions. The mechanism of action for CLYM116 involves blocking APRIL’s interaction with its receptors and fostering the degradation of APRIL, thereby diminishing its signaling capabilities.

The innovative bind-and-release design of CLYM116 enhances its ability to inhibit APRIL signaling effectively, leading to the depletion of IgA. This engineered design also extends the antibody’s half-life in the bloodstream, which may allow patients to benefit from less frequent dosing.

In addition to CLYM116, Climb Bio’s portfolio includes budoprutug, an antibody targeting the cluster of differentiation 19 (CD19). These therapeutic candidates underscore the company’s commitment to addressing immune-mediated diseases through advanced biologic solutions.

Currently, Climb Bio is conducting investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies for CLYM116 and anticipates releasing data from preclinical studies within the year. This progression is part of Climb Bio’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in developing sophisticated treatments for immune-mediated conditions.

Aoife Brennan, CEO and president of Climb Bio, remarked on the significance of incorporating CLYM116 into the company’s pipeline. She views this development as a pivotal moment for Climb Bio, emphasizing the company’s dedication to creating best-in-class therapies for patients afflicted by immune-mediated diseases. The collaboration with Mabworks is a testament to Climb Bio’s commitment to leveraging partnerships to accelerate the development and availability of innovative treatments.

By focusing on APRIL signaling and leveraging cutting-edge antibody engineering, Climb Bio aims to provide new hope for patients with IgA nephropathy and related conditions. The licensing agreement with Mabworks represents a strategic move to expand Climb Bio’s reach in the global market, excluding Greater China, and reflects the company’s dedication to advancing its therapeutic pipeline and improving patient outcomes worldwide.