Pentixapharm acquires Glycotope's preclinical cancer antibody unit

Pentixapharm, a radiopharmaceutical company, has acquired Glycotope's target discovery unit to bolster its pipeline with a new portfolio of preclinical cancer antibodies. This acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, will significantly enhance Pentixapharm's capabilities by integrating Glycotope's oncology-focused assets, including labs, cell banks, a tumor target database, and various patents and licenses.

Glycotope's assets are designed to address various oncology targets and have the potential to be converted into radiopharmaceuticals, according to a statement released on July 3. Additionally, Pentixapharm will inherit 40 experienced executives, R&D specialists, and administrative staff from Glycotope, although the financial specifics of the deal were not disclosed.

Pentixapharm's current pipeline includes PentixaTher, a CXCR4 receptor-targeting therapeutic in phase 1/2 trials for central nervous system lymphoma. The company also has a gallium-68 PET imaging agent in trials for non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma and primary aldosteronism, a hypertension-related condition. The acquisition will expand Pentixapharm's intellectual property beyond its existing CXCR4 receptor-focused portfolio, stated Hakim Bouterfa, CEO of Pentixapharm.

Bouterfa emphasized that Glycotope’s pipeline includes several candidates ready for proof-of-concept studies as next-generation radiopharmaceuticals. He expressed optimism about leveraging the combined expertise of Pentixapharm and Glycotope to benefit patients in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts.

Pentixapharm is a subsidiary of Eckert & Ziegler (EZAG), which specializes in isotope-related components for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. However, Pentixapharm has plans to become an independent entity and list on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Andreas Eckert, chairman of both Pentixapharm and EZAG, pointed out that the acquisition will enable Pentixapharm to broaden its clinical pipeline while also enhancing its administrative and managerial capabilities. The new offices and laboratories acquired through the deal will consolidate all Berlin-based activities into one location.

As part of the acquisition, current CEO Hakim Bouterfa will transition to the supervisory board, while Chief Medical Officer Dirk Pleimes, M.D., will assume the role of CEO. Additionally, Glycotope’s Chief Scientific Officer Patrik Kehler will take on the same position at Pentixapharm.

Under Kehler’s leadership, Glycotope has been working on tumor-associated carbohydrate structures known as GlycoTargets, which offer better tumor targeting than conventional antibodies. Kehler and his team aimed to address treatment gaps in the majority of solid tumors, a vision that will now continue under Pentixapharm’s umbrella.

The radiopharmaceutical sector has seen a surge in acquisitions since late last year. For instance, Eli Lilly recently entered a $140 million partnership with Radionetics Oncology. Pentixapharm’s move reflects a broader industry trend where companies are seeking to incorporate advanced technologies for cancer treatment.

Pentixapharm is not alone in recognizing the potential of Glycotope's technology. Other companies like Evotec, LegoChem Biosciences, and Daiichi Sankyo have also entered into collaborations with Glycotope. This acquisition positions Pentixapharm to significantly advance its capabilities in the competitive field of cancer treatment and diagnostics.