Y-Biologics and IMBiologics Collaborate on 'Autoimmune' Antibody Development

Y-Biologics, an antibody drug development company, announced on the 8th that it has signed a joint research and development agreement with IMBiologics to develop a new target autoimmune disease antibody drug candidate.

Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate to develop an antibody drug candidate targeting a protein (undisclosed) considered a major factor in autoimmune diseases.

This approach is expected to suppress excessive T-cell activation and normalize the function of regulatory T-cells (Treg), effectively controlling autoimmune reactions. The company anticipates that this differentiated mechanism of action will provide new treatment options for patients with autoimmune diseases.

Through this joint research, both companies aim to replicate the success of previous partnerships. Y-Biologics and IMBiologics, in collaboration with HK Innoen, developed the autoimmune disease candidate, OX40LxTNF bispecific antibody ‘IMB-101,’ which was licensed out in June last year to Navigator Medicines in the U.S. for up to $944.75 million, including a $20 million upfront payment.

In August, the same asset was licensed out to Huadong Pharmaceutical in China (excluding Korea and Japan) for up to $315.5 million, including an upfront payment of $8 million.

An IMBiologics representative stated, “Based on our experience and capabilities in developing immune disease antibody therapies, we are currently implementing various open innovation strategies. Through this collaboration with Y-Biologics, we aim to develop even more innovative antibody drugs than IMB-101 and achieve business success in a short time.”

A Y-Biologics representative explained, “This agreement is significant as we are embarking on the development of innovative new drugs for global market entry with a trusted partner. By combining the expertise of both companies, we believe we can gain differentiated competitive advantages.”

Kim Sung-min, Reporter
sungmin.kim@bios.co.kr