Roche Secures $1B Deal for Promising Respiratory Disease Bispecific Antibody from Chinese Biotech

Roche has inked a significant licensing agreement with Chinese biotech firm Qyuns Therapeutics, securing global rights to a novel bispecific antibody for respiratory diseases. The deal, potentially worth over $1 billion, marks another strategic move by the Swiss pharmaceutical giant to bolster its respiratory disease portfolio.

Deal Structure and Asset Details

The agreement centers around QX031N, a clinical-stage bispecific antibody developed by Qyuns Therapeutics. This innovative molecule targets both human thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and human interleukin-33 (IL-33), two key proteins involved in the body's response to allergens, viruses, pollution, and mechanical stimuli.

Roche will pay $75 million upfront to Qyuns, with the potential for an additional $995 million in development, regulatory, and commercialization milestones. The deal also includes tiered royalties on potential future sales.

Therapeutic Potential and Market Implications

QX031N is being positioned as a potential "best-in-disease" therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This acquisition is particularly significant for Roche, following recent setbacks in its COPD pipeline. The company's anti-ST2 monoclonal antibody, astegolimab, failed to reduce flare-ups in a phase 3 study earlier this year, delaying plans for regulatory submission.

The bispecific antibody's dual-targeting mechanism could provide Roche with a competitive edge in the respiratory disease market, addressing a significant unmet need in COPD and asthma treatment.

Qyuns Therapeutics: A Rising Star in Chinese Biotech

This deal highlights the growing importance of Chinese biotech firms in global pharmaceutical development. Qyuns Therapeutics, based in Shanghai, has garnered attention for its rabbit monoclonal antibody development platform. The company argues that antibodies derived from rabbits offer high affinity and specificity, potentially translating to strong bioactivity and easier humanization, with a lower risk of immunogenicity.

Qyuns' portfolio extends beyond QX031N, including Sailexin, a biosimilar of Johnson & Johnson's inflammatory drug Stelara, which is already approved in China. The company is also advancing several other candidates in clinical trials, including therapies for inflammatory conditions and ankylosing spondylitis.

This latest deal with Roche further solidifies Qyuns' position as a noteworthy player in the global biopharmaceutical landscape, following previous partnerships with other companies such as Hansoh Pharma.