Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BOLT), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new class of immuno-oncology agents that combine the targeting precision of antibodies with the power of both the innate and adaptive immune systems, and Innovent Biologics, Inc. (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, metabolic, autoimmune, ophthalmology and other major diseases, today announced a drug research and development collaboration to develop three new anti-cancer therapeutic immune-stimulating antibody conjugate (ISAC) candidates.
The parties will leverage Innovent's proprietary therapeutic antibody portfolio and discovery capability against undisclosed oncology targets in combination with Bolt's advanced ISAC technology and myeloid biology expertise to create three new cancer treatments with the potential to provide significant benefit to patients. The Boltbody ISAC platform combines a tumor-targeting antibody, a stable, non-cleavable linker, and a proprietary immune stimulant. Boltbody ISACs unite the precision of antibody targeting with the power of innate and adaptive immune system response.
"Innovent is a leader in the development of innovative antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, with advanced research and development teams and an expanding commercial infrastructure in China. We look forward to collaborating with Innovent on the development of novel ISAC anti-cancer therapeutic candidates," said Randall Schatzman, Ph.D., CEO of Bolt Bio. "Our preclinical and early clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the ISAC approach and the benefits of stimulating both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system in the fight against cancer."
"We are very excited about the potential for the Boltbody ISAC platform to generate best-in-class approaches treating multiple tumor types," said Dr. Yong Jun Liu, President of Innovent Biologics. "Bolt has spent several years building and optimizing this platform, which we can leverage to expedite the development of important new products. We look forward to working together with Bolt to bring innovative therapies to patients as soon as possible."
Under the agreement, Innovent has the rights to all three programs in Greater China, and retains an option to license global rights for one program, as well as rights for all territories except North America for another program. Bolt retains the option to license global rights outside of Greater China for one program, and North American rights for another program. Innovent is responsible for all research and development costs through clinical proof-of-concept. Upon review of the initial clinical proof-of-concept data, the companies can exercise licensing options for continued development and exclusive commercialization rights in specific territories on a program-by-program basis. Bolt will receive an upfront payment of $5 million in cash from Innovent at signing and a possible future equity investment of up to $10 million. Furthermore, both Bolt and Innovent are eligible to receive additional milestone payments and royalties associated with the development and commercialization of products in each other's territories.
About the Boltbody™ Immune-Stimulating Antibody Conjugate (ISAC) Platform
ISACs are a new category of immunotherapy that combines the precision of antibody targeting with the strength of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Boltbody ISACs are comprised of three primary components: a tumor-targeting antibody, a non-cleavable linker, and a proprietary immune stimulant to activate the patient's innate immune system. By initially targeting a single marker on the surface of a patient's tumor cells, an ISAC can create a new immune response by activating an...
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