Gilead Sciences has encountered a significant setback with its anti-CD47 monoclonal antibody magrolimab, resulting in a $4.9 billion gap in its pipeline. After enduring a series of setbacks over the years, Gilead decided to remove all solid tumor trials of magrolimab from its pipeline, marking the end of the molecule's once-promising trajectory. Originally seen as a cornerstone of Gilead's cancer plans, magrolimab was acquired for $4.9 billion in 2020 as part of the company's efforts to diversify beyond cell therapies. Despite initial optimism and expectations of unlocking opportunities across various blood cancers and solid tumors, the antibody faced challenges early on, including a partial clinical hold by the FDA in response to adverse reactions and subsequent phase 3 trial failures, ultimately leading to its removal from Gilead's active programs.
The removal of magrolimab's solid tumor trials represents a significant blow to Gilead's aspirations in the oncology field. While, Gilead was not alone in its pursuit of CD47-targeted cancer treatments, with other companies vying for similar assets and partnerships.
