Roche Strikes $1 Billion Deal with Qyuns Therapeutics for Respiratory Disease Bispecific Antibody

Roche has inked a licensing agreement worth over $1 billion with Chinese biotech company Qyuns Therapeutics for the global rights to QX031N, a clinical-stage bispecific antibody targeting respiratory diseases. The deal marks Roche's latest move to bolster its respiratory disease pipeline following recent setbacks.

Deal Structure and Financial Terms

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will pay Qyuns Therapeutics $75 million upfront, with the potential for an additional $995 million in development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones. Qyuns will also be eligible for tiered royalties on future sales if QX031N reaches the market.

QX031N: A Novel Approach to Respiratory Disease Treatment

QX031N is a bispecific antibody that targets both human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and human interleukin-33 (IL-33). These proteins are released in response to various stimuli, including allergens, viruses, pollution, and mechanical factors. By targeting both TSLP and IL-33, Qyuns aims to develop a "best-in-disease" therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

The development of QX031N leverages Qyuns' proprietary rabbit monoclonal antibody (mAb) platform. This technology is believed to produce antibodies with high affinity and specificity, potentially leading to strong bioactivity and lower immunogenicity risks.

Strategic Implications for Roche

This deal comes at a crucial time for Roche, as the company recently faced a setback in its COPD program. Astegolimab, Roche's anti-ST2 monoclonal antibody, failed to reduce flare-ups in a phase 3 study, derailing plans to submit the therapy for regulatory approval this year.

The acquisition of QX031N rights allows Roche to diversify its approach to respiratory disease treatment and potentially strengthen its position in this competitive therapeutic area.