Gilead Sciences has entered an exclusive option and partnership agreement with MacroGenics for developing bispecific antibodies.

Under the deal, the companies will leverage MacroGenics’ DART platform to develop MGD024 as well as two further bispecific research programmes.

MGD024 is an investigational bispecific antibody that attaches to CD123 and CD3.

Gilead holds an option for licensing MGD024 as a possible therapy to treat specific blood cancers, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

According to the agreement, MacroGenics will receive $60m in upfront payment from Gilead.

MacroGenics is also entitled to get payments totalling up to $1.7bn in target nomination, option fees, regulatory, development and commercial milestones. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Additionally, Gilead will make tiered royalty payments on global net MGD024 sales and a flat royalty on international net product sales under the two research programmes to MacroGenics.

MacroGenics will oversee the Phase I clinical trial of MGD024 underway, during which Gilead may decide to exercise its option for licencing this programme at predetermined decision points. 

This trial will have a dose escalation segment and an expansion portion to analyse the antibody as a single agent and along with other therapies across various indications.

Gilead Sciences Oncology Clinical Development senior vice-president Bill Grossman said: “MacroGenics’ bispecific expertise naturally complements Gilead’s portfolio strengths in immuno-oncology and our growing haematology franchise. 

“We believe MGD024, with its potential to reduce CRS and permit intermittent dosing through a longer half-life, could translate to more patient-friendly dosing and enhanced clinical outcomes for people living with AML and MDS.”

In August, the company signed an agreement with Everest Medicines to acquire full rights for developing and commercialising Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) in Greater China, Singapore, South Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Mongolia and Malaysia.