Thalidomide

Approval is based on unprecedented Phase 3 data showing statistically significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival versus standard of care regimens 1 This immunotherapy doublet regimen demonstrated durable disease control as early as second line, with more than 90% of patients who were progression-free at six months remaining progression-free at three years 1 BEERSE, BELGIUM, Aug. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Johnson & Johnson today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved an indication extension for TECVAYLI ® (teclistamab) in combination with daratumumab for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received at least one prior therapy. The approval introduces a new treatment option as early as second line for patients living with RRMM. Complementary mechanisms of action underpin this immunotherapy doublet Teclistamab and daratumumab work in a complementary manner, with daratumumab modulating the immune system to enhance T-cell fitness and activation, thereby amplifying teclistamab-mediated killing of myeloma cells. 1 ,2 Expert and company perspectives on advancing the standard of care in RRMM “Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma often experience shorter remissions and diminishing responses with each subsequent line of therapy, making earlier access to the most effective treatments increasingly important,” said María-Victoria Mateos, M.D., Director of the Myeloma Unit at the University Hospital of Salamanca, Spain. “Today’s approval of teclistamab in combination with daratumumab marks an important advance by providing physicians with an off-the-shelf, steroid-sparing, immunotherapy option that has demonstrated meaningful improvements in progression-free and overall survival, with the potential to redefine treatment expectations as early as second line.” "This new indication for teclistamab plus daratumumab brings forward a new standard of care for patients in Europe living with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma," said Ester in 't Groen, EMEA Therapeutic Area Head, Haematology, Johnson & Johnson. "By combining the complementary mechanisms of teclistamab, a BCMAxCD3 bispecific antibody, with daratumumab, a well-established standard of care that helps modulate the immune system, we can deliver meaningful long-term outcomes earlier in the treatment journey, where they have the greatest opportunity to influence the disease trajectory and redefine expectations for patients.” “Today’s approval reflects our ongoing commitment to addressing the diverse needs of patients with multiple myeloma, giving them more options at every stage of their disease,” said Yusri Elsayed, M.D., M.H.Sc., Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Oncology, Johnson & Johnson. “By continuing to invest in scientific innovation and practice-changing research, we aim to redefine what is possible for patients today, while moving closer to a future where long-term disease control, and ultimately cure, becomes an achievable goal." Unprecedented Phase 3 study data demonstrate significant survival benefits versus standard of care, representing a potential new benchmark in RRMM The EC approval is supported by data from the Phase 3 MajesTEC-3 study ( NCT05083169 ), which evaluated the efficacy and safety of teclistamab plus daratumumab subcutaneous (SC) formulation versus investigator’s choice of daratumumab SC and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients with RRMM who have received 1–3 prior lines of therapy. 3 Source: Costa L, et al. Teclistamab plus Daratumumab in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. The New England Journal of Medicine 2025; Full article and supplementary material. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. The study demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). 1 At nearly three years of follow-up, teclistamab plus daratumumab SC reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 83.4% compared to standard of care (hazard ratio [HR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.23; p <0.001). 1 More than 90% of patients who remained progression-free at six months (n=249) remained progression-free at three years, highlighting the durability of response observed with this regimen. 1 OS favoured teclistamab plus daratumumab SC (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.65; p <0.0001), with treatment benefit observed across all prespecified subgroups. 1, 2 At three years, OS rates were 83.3% for the combination compared with 65.0% for standard of care. 1 Teclistamab combination demonstrated manageable safety profile The safety pro teclistamab plus daratumumab SC was consistent with the well-known profiles of the individual therapies and no new safety signals were identified. 1, 4 , 5 All cases of cytokine release syndrome were Grade 1/2 and did not lead to treatment discontinuation. 1 Cytopenia and infection were the most commonly observed Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). 1 Treatment discontinuations due to TEAEs were low and occurred at similar rates between study arms (4.6% [teclistamab] vs. 5.5% [DPd/DVd]). 1 About the MajesTEC-3 Study MajesTEC-3 ( NCT05083169 ) is an ongoing, Phase 3 randomised study evaluating the safety and efficacy of teclistamab plus daratumumab subcutaneous (SC) (n=291) versus investigator’s choice of daratumumab SC and dexamethasone with either pomalidomide or bortezomib (n=296) (DPd/DVd) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) who have received 1–3 prior lines of therapy. 1, 3 The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoints include complete response or better (≥CR), overall response rate (ORR), minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (10⁻⁵ by next-generation sequencing), overall survival (OS), time to worsening of symptoms (MySIm-Q), and safety. 3 The MajesTEC-3 study is a part of the MajesTEC clinical programme, which includes exploring the potential of teclistamab as a combination regimen. 3 About Teclistamab Teclistamab received European Commission (EC) approval in August 2022 for the treatment of patients with RRMM who have received at least three prior therapies, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 antibody, and have demonstrated disease progression on the last therapy. 6 In August 2023, the EC approved a Type II variation application for teclistamab, providing the option for a reduced dosing frequency of 1.5mg/kg every two weeks in patients who have achieved a complete response (CR) or better for a minimum of six months. 7 Teclistamab is an off-the-shelf (or ready-to-use) bispecific antibody. 4,8 Teclistamab, a subcutaneous injection, redirects T-cells through two cellular targets (BCMA and CD3) to activate the body’s immune system to fight cancer. 1,5 Teclistamab is currently being evaluated in several combination studies. 4 ,9,10,11 To date, more than 30,700 patients have been treated worldwide with teclistamab. 12 For a full list of adverse events and information on dosage and administration, contraindications and other precautions when using teclistamab, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics at: . ▼ In line with EMA regulations for new medicines and those given conditional approval, teclistamab is subject to additional monitoring. 4 About Daratumumab and Daratumumab SC Johnson & Johnson is committed to exploring the potential of daratumumab for patients with multiple myeloma across the spectrum of the disease. In August 2012 , Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, and Genmab A/S entered a worldwide agreement, which granted Johnson & Johnson an exclusive licence to develop, manufacture and commercialise daratumumab. Since launch, daratumumab has become a foundational therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma, having been used in the treatment of more than 830,000 patients worldwide. 13 Daratumumab was the first CD38-directed antibody approved to be given subcutaneously to treat patients with multiple myeloma. 5,14 Daratumumab SC was also the first oncology injectable approved for administration by patients living with multiple myeloma or their caregivers from the fifth dose, if determined to be appropriate by their healthcare professional and following proper training. 5,15 Daratumumab SC is co-formulated with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 (rHuPH20), Halozyme's ENHANZE ® drug delivery technology. 5 CD38 is a surface protein that is present in high numbers on multiple myeloma cells, regardless of the stage of disease. 5,16 Daratumumab binds to CD38 and inhibits tumour cell growth causing myeloma cell death. 5 Daratumumab may also have an effect on normal cells. 5 Data across ten Phase 3 clinical trials, in both the frontline and relapsed settings across all newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, have shown that daratumumab-based regimens resulted in significant improvement in progression-free survival and/or overall survival. 17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26 For further information on daratumumab, please see the Summary of Product Characteristics at: . About Multiple Myeloma Multiple myeloma is a complex blood cancer that affects a type of white blood cell called plasma cells, which are found in the bone marrow. 27,28 In multiple myeloma, these malignant plasma cells continue to proliferate, accumulating in the body and crowding out normal blood cells, as well as often causing bone destruction and other serious complications. 29,30 In the European Union, it is estimated that more than 35,000 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2024, and more than 21,900 patients died. 31 Patients living with multiple myeloma experience relapses which become more frequent with each line of therapy, while remissions become progressively shorter. 32,33,34 Whilst some patients with multiple myeloma initially have no symptoms, others can have common signs and symptoms of the disease, which can include bone fracture or pain, low red blood cell counts, fatigue, high calcium levels, infections, or kidney damage. 35 About Johnson & Johnson At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at . Follow us at . Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of teclistamab and daratumumab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at , , or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments. Key Search Terms MajesTEC-3 Phase 3 clinical trial TECVAYLI Teclistamab DARZALEX Daratumumab Teclistamab and daratumumab combination TECVAYLI and DARZALEX combination Relapsed and or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) Early relapse multiple myeloma Second line multiple myeloma treatment First relapse therapy for multiple myeloma Treatment resistance in multiple myeloma Progression-free survival (PFS) in multiple myeloma Overall survival (OS) in multiple myeloma Multiple myeloma Bispecific antibody therapy CD38-targeted therapy BCMA-targeted bispecific therapy Combination immunotherapy EMEA haematology pipeline Multiple myeloma innovation Multiple myeloma treatment *Maria-Victoria Mateos, M.D., Ph.D., Consultant Physician in Hematology, University Hospital of Salamanca, has provided consulting, advisory, and speaking services to Johnson & Johnson; she has not been paid for any media work. END References: 1 Costa L, et al. Teclistamab plus Daratumumab in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025; Full article and supplementary material. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 2 Mateos M-V, et al. Phase 3 Randomized Study of Teclistamab plus Daratumumab Versus Investigator’s Choice of Daratumumab and Dexamethasone with either Pomalidomide or Bortezomib (DPd/DVd) in patients (pts) with Relapsed Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM): Results of the MajesTEC-3 Study. Oral Presentation #06. American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting; 06-09 December, 2025. 3 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Teclistamab in Combination With Daratumumab Subcutaneously (SC) (Tec-Dara) Versus Daratumumab SC, Pomalidomide, and Dexamethasone (DPd) or Daratumumab SC, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone (DVd) in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-3). Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 4 European Medicines Agency. TECVAYLI Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 5 European Medicines Agency. DARZALEX Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 6 Johnson & Johnson.com. Janssen Marks First Approval Worldwide for TECVAYLI®▼(teclistamab) with EC Authorisation of First-in-Class Bispecific Antibody for the Treatment of Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 7 Johnson & Johnson.com. European Commission Approves Reduced Dosing Frequency for Janssen’s Bispecific Antibody TECVAYLI®▼ (teclistamab). Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 8 Moreau P, et al. Teclistamab in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;287(6):494-505. 9 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Teclistamab With Other Anticancer Therapies in Participants With Multiple Myeloma (MajesTEC-2). Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 10 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of the Combination of Talquetamab and Teclistamab in Participants With Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 1 1 ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of Subcutaneous Daratumumab Regimens in Combination With Bispecific T Cell Redirection Antibodies for the Treatment of Participants With Multiple Myeloma. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 1 2 J&J Data on File. Number of Patients Treated with TECVAYLI Worldwide as of June 2026. 1 3 J&J Data on File. Number of Patients Treated with DARZALEX ® Worldwide as of August 2026. 1 4 Janssen EMEA. European Commission Grants Marketing Authorisation for DARZALEX ® (Daratumumab) Subcutaneous Formulation for All Currently Approved Daratumumab Intravenous Formulation Indications. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 1 5 J&J Data on File. DARZALEX® is the first oncology injectable approved for self-administration by patients or caregivers as of March 2026. 16 Fedele G, et al. CD38 ligation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of myeloma patients induces release of protumorigenic IL-6 and impaired secretion of IFNy cytokines and proliferation. Mediators Inflamm. 2013;564687. 1 7 Moreau P, et al. Bortezomib, Thalidomide, and Dexamethasone With or Without Daratumumab Before and After Autologous Stem-Cell Transplantation for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (CASSIOPEIA): A Randomised, Open-label, Phase 3 Study. Lancet. 2019;394(10192):29-38. 1 8 Facon T, et al. MAIA Trial Investigators. Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone for Untreated Myeloma. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;380(22):2104-2115. 1 9 Mateos MV, et al. Overall Survival with Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Melphalan, and Prednisone in Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma (ALCYONE): A Randomised, Open-label, Phase 3 Trial. The Lancet. 2020;395(10218):132-141. 20 Dimopoulos MA, et al. APOLLO Trial Investigators. Daratumumab Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone Versus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone Alone in Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma (APOLLO): An Open-label, Randomised, Phase 3 Trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021;22(6):801-812. 2 1 Palladini G, et al. Daratumumab Plus CyBorD for Patients with Newly Diagnosed AL Amyloidosis: Safety Run-in Results of ANDROMEDA. Blood. 2020;2;136(1):71-80. 2 2 Chari A, et al. Daratumumab Plus Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Blood. 2017;130(8):974-981. 2 3 Bahlis NJ, et al. Daratumumab Plus Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Extended Follow-up of POLLUX, A Randomized, Open-label, Phase 3 study. Leukemia. 2020;34(7):1875-1884. 2 4 Mateos MV, et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, and Dexamethasone Versus Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Patients with Previously Treated Multiple Myeloma: Three-Year Follow-up of CASTOR. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2020;20(8):509-518. 2 5 Usmani S Z, et al. Daratumumab + Bortezomib/Lenalidomide/Dexamethasone in Patients with Transplant-Ineligible or Transplant-Deferred Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma: Results of the Phase 3 CEPHEUS Study. Oral Presentation. 21 st International Myeloma Society (IMS) Annual Meeting. September 25 – 28, 2024. 2 6 Sonneveld P, et al. Daratumumab, Bortezomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Multiple Myeloma. New England Journal of Medicine. 2024; 390(4):301-313. 2 7 Abdi J, et al. Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma: Latest Findings on Molecular Mechanisms. Oncotarget. 2013;4(12):2186-2207. 2 8 Myeloma UK. What is myeloma? Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 29 Lungu O, et al. Mechanistic insights into bone destruction in multiple myeloma: cellular and molecular perspectives. Journal of Bone Oncology. 2025;51:100668. 30 Mayo Clinic. Multiple Myeloma. Available at: 20353378 . Last accessed: August 2026. 31 ECIS - European Cancer Information System. Estimates of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in 2024, by Country. Multiple Myeloma. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. 32 Bhatt P, et al. Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Review of Available Therapies and Clinical Scenarios Encountered in Myeloma Relapse. Curr Oncol. 2023;30(2):2322-2347. 33 Hernández-Rivas JÁ, et al. The Changing Landscape of Relapsed and/or Refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM): Fundamentals and Controversies. Biomark Res. 2022;10(1):1-23. 34 Gavriatopoulou M, et al. Metabolic Disorders in Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(21):11430. 35 American Cancer Society. Multiple Myeloma: Early Detection, Diagnosis and Staging. Available at: . Last accessed: August 2026. CP-595345 August 2026 CONTACT: Media contact: Jenni Mildon jmildon@its.jnj.com +44 7920 418 552 Investor contact: Jess Margevich investor-relations@its.jnj.com

iStock, lerbank Molecular glue degraders are gaining traction in the clinic as well as funding from Big Pharma, with their potential to treat previously “undruggable” cancers and immunological diseases. Here are five clinical programs worth keeping an eye on. Molecular glue degraders, known for their ability to break down disease-causing proteins, are gaining traction in the clinic and driving sizable Big Pharma deals that reflect the modality’s market potential. Pharma giants like Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Roche have poured millions into acquiring assets and partnering with smaller biotechs to develop molecular glues into treatments in areas such as cancer and immunology. The promise of molecular glues comes down to selectivity and an ability to hit novel targets, said Robert Driscoll, senior vice president of equities research at Wedbush Securities. For drugmakers seeking pipeline prospects to make up for ongoing patent losses, these glues could pave the way to novel targets with limited market competition, he said. “When we look at the market potential of these molecular glues, the ability to potentially tackle undruggable targets unlocks some doors,” Driscoll told BioSpace . “If you have a novel target, you have a real advantage versus other folks out there who will be fast followers. The market potential there is huge.” Molecular glues were discovered essentially by accident in the 1950s when the morning sickness drug thalidomide—infamous for causing birth defects—was found, along with related molecules, to spur immuno-modulating interactions by degrading disease-causing proteins. One of those related molecules—lenalidomide—went on to become the blockbuster cancer drug Revlimid from Celgene, a company that was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2019 in one of the largest pharma deals in history. Thalidomide and its analogs are the only molecular glues currently approved by the FDA, all of them manufactured by Bristol Myers Squibb as the multiple myeloma treatments Revlimid, Thalomid and Pomalyst. Now, the molecular glue pipeline is brimming with potential, with Big Pharmas and smaller biotechs alike betting on the promise that these molecules can offer new approaches to difficult disease targets. Here, BioSpace takes a deep dive into five standout programs leading the way in molecular glue R&D. BMS’ multiple myeloma relapse renegade As the only drugmaker to have successfully developed and marketed a molecular glue protein degrader for multiple myeloma, BMS is ahead of the curve with its CELMoD program of oral therapies for blood cancers. Among the key molecules in the company’s pipeline is CC-92480, or mezigdomide. In a Phase 3 trial , the asset, when combined with Amgen’s Kyprolis and a corticosteroid, showed improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with multiple myeloma that has returned following previous treatment. The combination, nicknamed MeziKd, is “a follow-on from approved early-generation molecular glues” that offers an oral option for patients with multiple myeloma with potential to be best in class, according to Driscoll. Paul Richardson, director of clinical research and clinical program leader at Dana-Farber’s Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center, in a March press release touted the drug combination as an important new regimen for patients whose cancer doesn’t respond to treatments like Darzalex or BMS’s own Revlimid. “While treatment advances have been meaningful, far too many patients with multiple myeloma still relapse or stop responding—making the need for new options urgent,” Richardson said in a prepared statement. MeziKd “could address a key unmet need” for relapsing patients, he added. Monte Rosa’s AI-propelled assets caught Novartis’ notice Monte Rosa Therapeutics is among the smaller companies making a splash in this space, securing two deals with Novartis to develop molecular glues derived from the biotech’s AI discovery engine. Novartis paid $150 million up front with the potential for $2.1 billion in milestones in a licensing agreemen t with Monte Rosa in 2024 to advance the latter’s molecular glues targeting the VAV1 protein. The Swiss behemoth followed that up last year with another $120 million in upfront payments and milestones that could bring deal’s total to $5.7 billion. In clinical trials for immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions, MRT-6160 in a first-in-human trial showed VAV1 degradation greater than 90%, as well as T cell, B cell and cytokine inhibition. Monte Rosa has also demonstrated clinical effectiveness with another molecule called MRT-2359 in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer via a Phase 1/2 study with interim results released in December 2025. MRT-2359 is being combined in this trial with the anti-androgen medicine enzalutamide. Monte Rosa’s AI discovery platform has allowed the company to work more quickly than basic screening approaches normally allow, Driscoll said. “The discovery of novel targets is expanding the target space here and allowing Monte Rosa to come up with new targets and apply that to selectivity challenges, adding efficiency to the process,” he continued. Collaboration Novartis Sticks With Monte Rosa in Second Molecular Glue Deal Worth up to $5.7B Novartis and Monte Rosa first partnered in October 2024 for a molecular glue asset for immune-mediated and autoimmune diseases. This time, the pharma is putting $120 million down upfront for more of the biotech’s AI-discovered degraders. September 15, 2025 · 2 min read · Tristan Manalac Read more C4 touts ‘best in class’ potential for DACs C4 Therapeutics has also caught Big Pharma’s attention with its molecular glue-based degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs) C4 pulled in a $73 million series A financing round almost a decade ago along with a strategic collaboration with Roche. The partners followed that up in April with another licensing deal worth $20 million upfront and up to $1 billion in milestones down the road. Together, the companies are developing cemsidomide, formerly known as CFT-7455, a molecular glue degrader that targets the proteins IKZF1 and IKZF3 to treat multiple myeloma. The drug candidate is in a Phase 2 trial following a successful early-stage study in which C4 touted high overall response rates. “C4 is claiming best-in-class potential, and that’s very exciting for the multiple myeloma space, which doesn’t have too many oral drugs,” Driscoll said. Neomorph and numerous partners target HIF Another biotech with deep Big Pharma connections, Neomorph is currently running a Phase 1/2 trial of its molecular glue degrader NEO-811 in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-resectable clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The San Diego–based company calls the HIF signaling pathway inhibited by NEO-811 the “ Achilles heel ” of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and the program has attracted collaborations with industry giants AbbVie , Biogen and Novo Nordisk , each with more than $1 billion in potential milestone payments. Similar to Monte Rosa, Neomorph has “gone all-in on molecular glues” and a platform that allows the company to discover novel signals in proteins that make them an ideal target for degradation, Driscoll said. Neomorph’s library of molecular glues is based on “rational design rather than random chance,” according to the company, which allows for more intentional targeting of disease as early as the discovery stage. Deals AbbVie Teams Up With Neomorph for Molecular Glue Collab Worth up to $1.64B Protein degradation–focused Neomorph nabs its third Big Pharma deal of around $1.5 billion in less than a year. January 23, 2025 · 1 min read · Annalee Armstrong Read more Degron, Takeda aim to stick it to solid tumors Degron Therapeutics’ lead molecular glue degrader DEG6498 entered the clinic late last year to treat advanced solid tumors using an RNA-binding protein that was considered “previously undruggable,” according to a May press release announcing the company’s $40 million series A extension. And the company, like many of its molecular glue peers, has picked up critical Big Pharma funding, this time from Takeda, which in 2024 signed a deal with Degron worth up to $1.2 billion. Most importantly, Takeda gained access to Degron’s discovery platform, called GlueXplorer, which uses AI to predict novel targets. Takeda CSO Chris Arendt at the time lauded the ability of molecular glues to aim at targets that had previously been undruggable and inaccessible by other treatments. AI’s application in finding new targets for molecular glues allows the field to advance at a faster clip than would otherwise be possible, Driscoll said. This strategy, he said, “is where the magic is happening.” Business Takeda Joins Hot Molecular Glue Market With $1.2B Deal Riding the growing wave of interest in molecular glue degraders, Takeda has partnered with Chinese biotech Degron Therapeutics to develop novel therapies for oncology, neuroscience and inflammation. May 23, 2024 · 2 min read · Tristan Manalac Read more