Synaffix secures additional ADC technology licensing deals
First off, it inked a licensing agreement with Amgen to develop next generation ADCs.
Amgen will gain access to Synaffix’s antibody conjugation technology platforms comprising GlycoConnect, HydraSpace and select toxSYN linker-payloads for one ADC program with the option to exercise exclusive research and commercial licenses for an additional four programs at a later date.
The total potential value of the deal is up to $2bn plus tiered royalties on commercial sales.
A second deal announced this week sees Hummingbird Biosience, which is developing a pipeline of precision therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease, enter into a licensing agreement with the Dutch company. It can now develop an ADC program using the Synaffix technology. In return, Synaffix will receive up to $150m in return, made up of upfront and milestone payments plus royalties.
“Hummingbird Bio’s RAD platform generates high affinity antibodies against unique epitopes on hard targets, potentially unlocking novel mechanisms of action. We believe that, by combining Synaffix’s ADC technologies with our antibodies, we have the potential to create best-in-class ADCs,” said Piers Ingram, CEO and co-founder of Hummingbird Bio.
The company, he added, will update the market on its ADC development work throughout 2023.
Licensing model
The Synaffix business model is based on target-specific technology out-licensing, as seen via its other deals including those secured with ADC Therapeutics, Mersana Therapeutics, Shanghai Miracogen, Innovent Biologics, ProfoundBio, Kyowa Kirin, Genmab, Macrogenics and Emergence Therapeutics.
Synaffix claims the combination of its three technologies provides companies with a ‘one stop’ and easy-to-use ADC technology platform, allowing any antibody developer to develop its own proprietary ADC and increase its competitive position.
In 2022, the company was awarded ‘Best ADC Technology Platform’ at the World ADC Awards, ‘Biotech Company of the Year’ at the LSX European Lifestars Awards and ‘Business Development Team of the Year’ at the Scrip Awards.
