SOTIO expands ADC arsenal with Biocytogen deal

SOTIO Biotech has entered into a partnership with Chinese company Biocytogen as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) pipeline. This collaboration aligns with SOTIO's existing partnerships with Synaffix, LigaChem (previously known as LegoChem), and Boehringer Ingelheim’s NBE-Therapeutics division, according to Martin Steegmaier, SOTIO's chief scientific officer.

SOTIO’s ADC pipeline is currently led by SOT102, a therapy targeting Claudin18.2, which is in Phase I clinical development. This treatment utilizes NBE-Therapeutics’ site-specific sortase mediated antibody coupling conjugation platform. Other projects in earlier stages of development include SOT106, which leverages LigaChem’s ConjuAll ADC platform technology, and SOT109, which employs Synaffix’s GlycoConnect HydraSpace conjugation platform.

The latest agreement with Biocytogen grants SOTIO the option to license several fully-human bispecific antibodies generated using Biocytogen’s RenLite platform. These bispecific antibodies will be used by SOTIO to develop next-generation ADCs, including multi-specific ADCs aimed at solid tumors. Steegmaier highlighted the potential of bispecific targeting within ADC approaches to enhance precision and address tumor heterogeneity, noting that specific targets for a bispecific program have already been identified.

During the research phase of the bispecific programs, the two companies will collaborate, but SOTIO will assume responsibility for non-clinical and clinical development, as well as the manufacturing and commercialization of the ADC products. In return, Biocytogen stands to receive upfront and potential milestone payments amounting to up to $325.5 million, along with low single-digit sales royalties.