Merck, known as MSD outside the US and Canada, has announced a definitive agreement to acquire CN201, a promising bispecific antibody developed by Curon Biopharmaceutical. This transaction, valued at $700 million upfront, includes potential milestone payments up to $600 million. CN201, currently in Phase 1 and Phase 1b/2 clinical trials, targets B-cell associated diseases, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia. The antibody is designed to engage T-cells to eliminate B-cells, with early data suggesting significant potential for treating various hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
Curon Biopharmaceutical, headquartered in the Cayman Islands with operations in Australia, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, specializes in developing bispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates for cancer treatment. Merck, a global leader in biopharmaceuticals, views this acquisition as a strategic move to enhance its oncology pipeline and expand its capabilities in treating B-cell related disorders. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
