IMBiologics Hands Over Autoimmune Drug Technology To Huadong Pharma

South Korea’s IMBiologics has finalized a significant technology transfer deal with China’s Huadong Pharmaceutical. The agreement, announced Friday, involves the handover of cutting-edge autoimmune disease treatment technology. This deal includes an immediate upfront payment of $8 million and offers potential milestone payments totaling up to $375 million.

The transfer encompasses two key antibody candidates: IMB-101, a bispecific antibody targeting both OX40L and TNF, and IMB-102, a monospecific antibody targeting OX40L. These candidates were developed through a collaboration between IMBiologics, HK inno.N, and Y Biologics.

In a strategic move, Huadong Pharmaceutical has acquired the rights to develop and commercialize IMBiologics' autoimmune disease treatment candidates in Asia, excluding South Korea, North Korea, and Japan. As one of China’s top-10 pharmaceutical companies, Huadong Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd., is set to advance these promising technologies.

IMBiologics, which is actively working on antibodies for immune disorders and biosimilars, recently expanded its licensing strategy. In June, the company struck a deal with US-based Navigator Medicines to transfer IMB-101 and IMB-102 technology, valued at $944.8 million including upfront payments.