IDEAYA secures first ADC in $400M Biocytogen deal

IDEAYA Biosciences has entered into a strategic agreement with Biocytogen to develop its first antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), anticipating that this will enhance their existing cancer treatment portfolio. This partnership is particularly focused on a bispecific ADC targeting B7H3 and PTK7, which could potentially improve therapeutic options for various cancers.

Under the terms of the agreement reached on Wednesday, IDEAYA will pay an undisclosed fee upfront to secure an option for an exclusive, worldwide license to Biocytogen’s B7H3/PTK7 topo-I-payload bispecific ADC programme. The total deal is valued at $406.5 million, factoring in the upfront payment, additional fees for exercising the option, and various milestones related to development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization. Moreover, Biocytogen could earn single-digit royalties on any future net sales deriving from this collaboration.

The ADC targets B7H3 and PTK7, proteins that are co-expressed in multiple forms of cancer, including lung, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. IDEAYA and Biocytogen are optimistic that the ADC’s dual-target mechanism will complement IDEAYA’s ongoing research, particularly in conjunction with their DNA damage repair (DDR) pathway inhibitors, such as IDE161. Beyond combinatory treatments, IDEAYA is also exploring the ADC’s potential as a standalone therapy.

IDEAYA’s CEO, Yujiro Hata, highlighted that Biocytogen’s ADC programme aligns with the company’s strategy to create first-in-class treatments that combine ADCs and small molecule DDR-based therapies. These combinations aim to offer more effective treatments for cancer patients.

This new collaboration aligns well with IDEAYA’s advancement in other cancer therapies. Earlier this month, the company shared promising Phase II trial results for its MAT2A inhibitor, IDE397. This inhibitor targets patients with urothelial and non-small-cell lung cancer who have an MTAP deletion, showing a 39% overall response rate. The positive data from the trial led IDEAYA to secure over $300 million in additional funding, boosting its financial resources for further development.

For Biocytogen, this deal marks its second significant partnership in the same month. In an earlier agreement valued up to $325.5 million, the company granted SOTIO an option to license multiple fully-human bispecific antibodies developed using Biocytogen’s RenLite platform. These partnerships underscore Biocytogen’s growing influence and capability in the field of antibody development.

Overall, the agreement between IDEAYA and Biocytogen highlights a strategic move to leverage innovative therapies, particularly those involving antibody-drug conjugates, to fight cancer more effectively. This partnership is expected to bring forward new treatment options that combine the strengths of both companies’ expertise in cancer biology and drug development.

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