GSK to Acquire CMG1A46 from Chimagen Biosciences for Immunology Expansion

GSK plc and Chimagen Biosciences have announced a significant collaboration agreement involving the acquisition of CMG1A46, a clinical-stage T cell-engager, by GSK for $300 million upfront. CMG1A46 is designed to target CD19 and CD20, which are present on B cells, and shows promise for treating autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).

For more than ten years, GSK has been at the forefront of lupus treatment, emphasizing the necessity of innovative therapies to handle the varied aspects of the disease and the ongoing challenges for patients who do not respond to current treatments. Tony Wood, GSK’s Chief Scientific Officer, highlighted that their research in SLE and LN has increased their understanding of B cell-driven diseases. He expressed optimism about CMG1A46’s potential to address the unmet needs in lupus and related autoimmune conditions through its novel approach to B cell depletion.

CD20 has been a well-recognized target in autoimmune disease treatment, and emerging clinical evidence suggests that CD19 also holds therapeutic promise due to its presence on various B cell types. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that CMG1A46, targeting both CD19 and CD20, can achieve rapid and profound B cell depletion in both the bloodstream and tissues. This could result in more durable responses for patients.

Zhenhao Zhou, CEO of Chimagen, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of CMG1A46 to enhance the lives of patients with autoimmune diseases and appreciated GSK’s role in accelerating their vision. The agreement also validates Chimagen’s proprietary T cell-engager platform, and they remain committed to developing new multi-specific antibody therapeutics.

Currently, CMG1A46 is undergoing phase I clinical trials for leukemia and lymphoma in the US and China. GSK plans to initiate a phase I trial for lupus in 2025.

Under the agreement, GSK will acquire full global rights to CMG1A46 for an upfront payment of $300 million. Chimagen is also eligible for up to $550 million in success-based development and commercial milestone payments. The agreement is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the US.

CMG1A46 is a dual CD19 and CD20-targeted T cell-engager (TCE), characterized by high affinity for CD19 and CD20 positive B cells and low affinity for CD3, which may reduce the typical toxicities associated with TCEs.

Chimagen Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on creating novel multi-specific T cell-engagers and NK cell-engagers through proprietary antibody engineering platforms, aiming to develop breakthrough therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

GSK is a global biopharma company dedicated to leveraging science, technology, and talent to stay ahead of diseases.