Daiichi Sankyo Acquires Anti-TA-MUC1 Antibody IP in DS-3939 from Glycotope

Daiichi Sankyo Company, Ltd, a prominent player in the global healthcare industry, has announced its decision to allocate $132.5 million to secure the intellectual property rights of the anti-tumor-associated mucin-1 (TA-MUC1) antibody, known as gatipotuzumab, from Glycotope. This acquisition encompasses all potential future clinical, regulatory, and sales milestone payments, in addition to royalties for products featuring gatipotuzumab. This initiative is part of a 2018 licensing agreement between the two entities that granted Daiichi Sankyo exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market gatipotuzumab as an antibody drug conjugate (ADC).

The anti-TA-MUC1 antibody is a critical component of DS-3939, an ADC under development by Daiichi Sankyo. This investigational medicine is crafted with the aim of being a pioneering treatment targeting TA-MUC1, utilizing the company's unique DXd ADC technology. Currently, DS-3939 is undergoing phase 1/2 clinical trials to assess its effectiveness in treating a variety of advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung, breast, urothelial, ovarian, biliary tract, and pancreatic cancers.

TA-MUC1 represents a tumor-specific transmembrane glycoprotein characterized by abnormal glycosylation, attributed to variations in the expression patterns of certain sialyltransferases. Its prevalent overexpression in numerous human epithelial cancers renders it a promising target for cancer therapies. Despite its potential, no TA-MUC1 directed therapies have yet received approval for any cancer type.

DS-3939, a potential first-in-class TA-MUC1 directed ADC, is designed with Daiichi Sankyo's specialized DXd ADC technology. This investigative drug comprises a humanized anti-TA-MUC1 antibody linked to multiple topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads, specifically an exatecan derivative, through tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

Daiichi Sankyo's ADC portfolio is an integral element of its innovative approach, featuring seven ADCs in clinical development. These have been developed using two distinct in-house ADC technology platforms. The most advanced platform in clinical trials is the DXd ADC Technology, which utilizes a monoclonal antibody connected to topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads via cleavable linkers. This platform includes ENHERTU, a HER2 directed ADC, and DATROWAY, a TROP-2 directed ADC, both developed and commercialized globally in collaboration with AstraZeneca. Additionally, the pipeline includes patritumab deruxtecan (targeting HER3), ifinatamab deruxtecan (targeting B7-H3), and raludotatug deruxtecan (targeting CDH6), all being developed alongside Merck & Co., Inc. The development of DS-3939 is managed exclusively by Daiichi Sankyo.

The second ADC technology platform by Daiichi Sankyo involves a monoclonal antibody coupled with a modified pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) payload. DS-9606, targeting CLDN6, is the first of several ADCs in clinical development utilizing this innovative platform.

Daiichi Sankyo remains committed to advancing healthcare through its cutting-edge research and development efforts. With over 120 years of experience, the company continues to focus on creating novel therapies for cancer, cardiovascular, and other diseases with significant unmet needs, aiming to elevate the quality of life across the globe.